Research Associate
Requisition Number:
64847
Location:
Boulder, Colorado
City
Boulder
State
Colorado
Employment Type:
Research Faculty
Schedule:
Full-Time
Posting Close Date:
23-Jun-2025
Date Posted:
16-Jun-2025
Job Summary
University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a position which 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 Research Associate will design and characterize microwave kinetic inductance detectors as well as other low temperature detectors for applications at millimeter to far infrared wavelengths. The application space includes astrophysical observations as well as quantum sensing. The Research Associate will join a multi-person team to develop microwave kinetic inductance detectors and other novel devices for applications at millimeter to far-infrared wavelengths.
The Research Associate will design and characterize microwave kinetic inductance detectors as well as other low temperature detectors for applications at millimeter to far infrared wavelengths. The application space includes astrophysical observations as well as quantum sensing. The Research Associate will join a multi-person team to develop microwave kinetic inductance detectors and other novel devices for applications at millimeter to far-infrared wavelengths.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected 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 Long Wavelength Sensors and Applications Group under the Quantum Sensors Division at NIST.
The particular group that needs a researcher is the Long Wavelength Sensors and Applications Group under the Quantum Sensors Division at NIST.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Design microwave kinetic inductance detectors and other novel cryogenic devices for astronomical applications, quantum sensing and microwave metrology.
- Perform cryogenic, microwave measurements on microwave kinetic inductance detector arrays and other novel devices.
- Identify and apply for new sources of research funding to advance sensing technology and enable new types of measurements.
- Present results at internal meetings, meetings with external stakeholders, and international scientific conferences.
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 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 $87,000 - $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
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 challenged. Be impactful. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- A PhD in Physics, Astrophysics, Engineering, or a related field.
- Five (5)+ years of relevant experience.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Demonstrated outstanding research in the field of superconducting devices as evidenced by publication record and ability to obtain research funding.
- Strong knowledge of cryogenics, cryogenic sensors and microwave engineering.
- Ability to thrive in a large research collaboration.
- Demonstrated ability to apply principles of non-linear superconductivity to device physics.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- A current resume.
- A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
During the application process, you will need to enter contact information for one (1) reference. We will request the letter of recommendation immediately following your application. This information will be kept confidential and viewable only by the search committee.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until June 23, 2025.
For questions, please contact Lisa Valencia at recruitprep@colorado.edu.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply 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