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Senior Research Associate

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder

Software Engineering
Boulder, CO, USA
USD 70k-105k / year
Posted on Oct 18, 2025
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Job Summary

The Senior Research Associate will lead advanced research initiatives focused on complex radio frequency (RF) systems and environments, setting strategic directions that leverage both in-situ and laboratory RF measurement methods and data. This role involves close collaboration with NIST internal and external stakeholders to drive the broad application of innovative methods in RF spectrum systems design, testing, analysis, and operations. The successful candidate will develop research plans grounded in metrology principles and electromagnetic compatibility, propose and analyze measurement techniques for challenging RF environments—including interference analysis, dynamic spectrum sharing, and propagation. Responsibilities also include disseminating research findings through publications, presentations, and educational formats, and fostering relationships with academic institutions.
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.
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 Applied Systems Metrology Group under the Spectrum Technology & Research Division at NIST.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

  • Develop research plans in spectrum science aligned with metrology principles and electromagnetic compatibility fundamentals.
  • Propose measurement techniques and analyze complex RF environment interactions, including interference analysis, dynamic spectrum sharing, and radio frequency propagation.
  • Present technical plans and findings to the spectrum science stakeholder community, including academic, industry, and government entities.
  • Investigate the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) within spectrum science.
  • Foster relationships with academic institutions.

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 part-time (50% time) position is $70,000 - $105,000 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

Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

  • Doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
  • Fifteen (15) or more years of relevant experience.

What We Would Like You to Have

  • Strong background in radio frequency engineering and electromagnetic compatibility measurements as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, patents, or standards engagements.
  • Experience testing and analyzing systems with a wide range of spectrum-dependencies, such as mobile and cellular communications; wireless and emergency response applications; positioning and navigation, telemetry, and radar systems.
  • Ability to identify and lead research directions in spectrum science applications.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead applied research teams.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:
  1. Resume or CV
  2. Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
  3. (optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree
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. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.
During the application process, you will need to enter contact information for a reference who will be contacted to provide a letter of recommendation immediately after you apply.
Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until November 5, 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.
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