The Materials Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified Postdoctoral Associates or Research Associates to support the Cellular Engineering Group and NIST Engineering Biology Program, by leading projects to develop measurement assurance for cell-free expression systems from diverse samples, including reconstituted and microbial samples. Leads the development of characterization assays for cell-free systems. Assists automating reagent preparation, cell-free reaction assembly, and characterization, using the NIST Living Measurement Systems Foundry (LMSF) and other laboratory automation. Analyzes experimental and simulation data, including uncertainty and other statistical analyses. Documents and manages protocols, data, and analyses. Regularly presents and discusses progress with the larger organization.

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.

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 Cellular Engineering Group at NIST.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Leads, plans, and carries out difficult and complex assignments in cell-free expression systems and RNA circuits with limited supervision.
Develops new methods, approaches, and procedures in cooperation with coworkers or advisors.
Completed work has a sound overall approach and effectively meets requirements.
Communicates effectively with peers and stakeholders to plan share work outputs.

What You Should Know

This position is located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States.

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 the full-time Postdoctoral Associate is $74,000 - $108,000 annually.
The salary range for the full-time Research Associate is $78,000 - $135,000 annually.

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

Postdoctoral Associate: A Doctoral degree in chemical engineering, bioengineering, cell biology, chemistry, physics, synthetic biology, or a related field with 0 – 4 years of post-doctoral degree experience.
Research Associate: A Doctoral degree in chemical engineering, bioengineering, cell biology, chemistry, physics, synthetic biology, or a related field with 5+ years of post-doctoral degree experience.

What We Would Like You to Have

Demonstrated knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology, microbial culture, reconstituted and lysate-based cell-free expression systems, and synthetic/engineering biology.
Demonstrated leadership and management of technical projects and programs.
Five (5) years of relevant experience.
Strong oral and written communication skills.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Resume or CV
Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.

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. We will request the letter of recommendation immediately following your application.

Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until March 16, 2026.

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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