Jobs UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER

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Research Associate or Senior Research Associate

Requisition Number:

62683

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

31-Mar-2025

Date Posted:

21-Mar-2025
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Job Summary

We are seeking a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate to lead development of state-of-the-art methods for radiofrequency and mm-wave electric field strength calibrations.  The associate will work with various existing and novel field probes, anechoic chambers, transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cells, vector network analyzers, power amplifiers, oscilloscopes, and other RF equipment.  The associate will also need a background in atomic sensors to help develop a standard field strength probe based on Rydberg atoms.  This work will include designing experiments, carrying out calibrations of RF equipment, performing uncertainty analysis, and automating data acquisition.  The associate will strengthen their experimental laboratory skills, understanding of metrology, and knowledge of fundamental radio frequency measurements.

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 wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient 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.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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 Electromagnetic Fields Group under the RF Technology Division at NIST.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

  • Plan, design, and conduct cutting-edge research to advance Rydberg atom-based sensors.
  • Lead experimental efforts in measuring blackbody radiation (BBR) using sensitive state population transfer in Rydberg atoms.
  • Develop and refine theoretical models of atomic systems and atomic sensors.
  • Maintain comprehensive and accurate experimental logs.
  • Communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and with stakeholders.

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 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 Research Associate position is $80,000 - $115,000 annually.
  • The salary range for the full-time Senior Research Associate position is $112,000 - $172,000 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

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

  • Research Associate:  Doctoral degree in Physics, Atomic Physics, or a related field with 5 - 9 years of post-doctoral degree experience.
  • Senior Research Associate:  Doctoral degree in Physics, Atomic Physics, or a related field with 10+ years of post-doctoral degree experience.

What We Would Like You to Have

  • Experience with atomic/optical systems.
  • Proven experience with the stabilization, alignment, and operation of frequency doubled and diode laser systems.
  • Experience with data acquisition, robotic control, or electronic equipment.
  • Familiarity with RF equipment.
  • Familiarity with remote instrument communication (MATLAB, Python, or LabView proficiency preferred).
  • Ability to develop data analysis software (MATLAB or Python proficiency preferred).
  • Ability to independently develop and conceptualize research initiatives.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor.  However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document.
 
During the application process, you will need to enter contact information for a reference.  We will request the letter of recommendation immediately following your application.
 
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until March 31, 2025.
 
Note:  Application materials will not be accepted via email.  For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Lisa Valencia

Posting Contact Email: recruitprep@colorado.edu