Professional Research Assistant
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Job Summary
The Professional Research Assistant will assist in the development of an extreme ultraviolet radiometer to support advanced semiconductor manufacturing. This work will require design and testing of compact, vacuum-compatible electro-optical instrumentation with limited supervision. A successful candidate should have experience with optical and radiometric measurements using appropriate laser safety procedures and protocols, as well as expertise in software development (Python) for instrument control, data acquisition, and analysis. Knowledge of and experience with 3D CAD for modeling and feedback control systems is a plus. The candidate will interact with other team members and key stakeholders to present and discuss research directions and findings. Optical testing of these devices will likely require limited travel to extreme ultraviolet sources located both domestically and abroad.
This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and thus requires that such institutions be the recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.
Who We Are
PREP is a special partnership between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado Boulder. PREP provides research opportunities to CU undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in NIST labs to gain research experience alongside NIST scientists.
The particular group that needs a researcher is the Sources and Detectors Group under the Applied Physics Division at NIST.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Optically test a prototype extreme ultraviolet radiometer using standard radiometric techniques.
- Analyze performance data using standard data analysis software (e.g. Excel, MATLAB, Python, etc.) and basic analysis techniques such as linear regression and simple statistical analysis.
- Discuss findings with team members to iterate on design as necessary.
- Help to develop an uncertainty budget.
- Troubleshoot electrical circuit design as necessary using simple tools such as a voltmeter and oscilloscope.
- Troubleshoot radiometer control software as necessary using Python.
- Test vacuum performance by operating a vacuum pump and reading vacuum gauges.
- Alter mechanical design using 3D CAD software as necessary for testing radiometer at partner facilities.
- Report findings as requested in, for example, written technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and/or professional conferences and meetings.
What You Should Know
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 of 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 the 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. By applying to a CHIPS-funded PREP opportunity, you also acknowledge that participation in the project requires signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to beginning any work.
What We Can Offer
- The salary range for this full-time position is $63,000 - $98,000 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. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
What We Require
- Master’s degree in physics, engineering, materials science, or a related field.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Two (2) years of relevant experience.
- Experience with optical design principles and laser safety protocols.
- Familiarity with simple electronic circuit design and testing.
- Experience with feedback control systems.
- Familiarity with ultrahigh vacuum systems.
- Experience with 3D CAD software.
- Familiarity with Python software.
- Ability to work semi-independently to meet deadlines and deliverables.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
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