Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate
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Job Summary
NIST is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to conduct experimental and theoretical research on Rydberg atom systems and their applications in radiofrequency (RF) communications and quantum sensing. The researcher will focus on improving the performance of Rydberg atom-based systems for electric-field detection. Experimental responsibilities will include designing, building, and troubleshooting laser, optical, and electronic systems, operating RF and microwave equipment, and developing software for data acquisition and analysis. Theoretical work will involve developing and analyzing atomic models of Rydberg systems, as well as conducting RF and electromagnetic simulations.
This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
Who We Are
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Design and perform experiments to advance the performance of Rydberg atom electrometers and communications receivers.
- Develop theoretical models of atomic systems and atomic sensors and compare them with experimental measurements.
- Keep a well-maintained log of experimental activities.
- Disseminate research through peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and other presentations.
What You Should Know
This position requires the successful completion of an NAIS agreement and federal security clearance as mandated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Employment is contingent upon approval of these requirements as determined by NIST.
Anticipated start date is December 1, 2026. Anticipated end date is March 31, 2028.
Privacy Act Statement
Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor’s degree holders, graduate students, master’s degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.
What We Can Offer
- The salary range for the full-time Postdoctoral Associate position is $74,000 - $108,000 annually.
- The salary range for the full-time Research Associate position is $78,000 - $135,000 annually.
- Onboarding/relocation assistance may be available, however, if within a 12-month period you exercise your right to willfully terminate your employment with the University of Colorado, you hereby agree to reimburse the department for your relocation expense.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
What We Require
- Postdoctoral Associate: A Doctorate’s degree in Physics, Atomic Physics, Optics, Quantum Optics, or a related field with 0 – 4 years of post-doctoral degree experience.
- Research Associate: A Doctorate’s degree in Physics, Atomic Physics, Optics, Quantum Optics, or a related field with 5+ years of post-doctoral degree experience.
What We Would Like You to Have
- 4+ years of relevant experience.
- Familiarity with atom-optical-molecular systems.
- Familiarity with photonics.
- Ability to work with, stabilize, and align laser systems.
- Familiarity with remote instrument communication (Matlab, Python, or Labview proficiency preferred).
- Ability to develop data analysis software (Matlab or Python proficiency preferred).
- Strong oral and written communication skills in the English language.
Special Instructions
- Resume or CV
- Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Lisa Valencia
Posting Contact Email: recruitprep@colorado.edu