Professional Research Assistant
Requisition Number:
Location:
City
State
Employment Type:
Schedule:
Posting Close Date:
Date Posted:
Job Summary
The work will entail the development of advanced radio-frequency (RF) detection systems using stabilized laser-based optical technologies and the digitization of RF signals. The research will focus on improving efficiency of RF detection, sensitivity, measurement speed, and reliability through the integration of optical measurement techniques, high-speed signal acquisition, and digital signal processing.
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 analog RF measurement and digitization systems.
- Develop traceable, high-accuracy RF measurement methods.
- Integrate photonic and optical technologies with RF systems.
- Characterize RF propagation and interaction with media.
- Develop automated experimental tools for RF measurement and analysis.
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 28, 2026. Anticipated end date is one year, but no later than 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 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 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 this full-time position is $54,000 - $78,000 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
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, Photonics, or a related field.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Experience in radio-frequency measurement, instrumentation, or signal analysis.
- Experience developing experimental RF or optical measurement systems.
- Ability to develop prototypes and automated tools for measurement, digitization, and data analysis.
- Familiarity with photonics, laser-based measurement, and electro-optic techniques.
- Familiarity with RF calibration, measurement traceability, and uncertainty analysis.
- 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.
- (optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Lisa Valencia
Posting Contact Email: recruitprep@colorado.edu