Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate
University of Colorado Boulder
Job Summary
The successful applicant will design and test screening systems for superconducting readout circuits that will enable next-generation superconducting spectrometer instruments including the development of screening infrastructure for time-division SQUID multiplexing (TDM) as part of NIST’s contribution to NASA for the Athena x-ray satellite project. The screening infrastructure will include cryogenic hardware, readout electronics, and software for automated control and analysis. Key goals are rapid and reliable screening, high throughput analysis of the data product, and timely reporting of the results to stakeholders.
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.
Who We Are
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Continued development and maintenance of the Quantum Sensors Divisions’ (QSD) cryogenic setups readout electronics for screening time-division SQUID multiplexers.
- Development of appropriate metrics and measurement protocols that are suitable to assess the quality and yield of time-division SQUID multiplexers.
- Develop reporting to effectively communicate results of screening to other group and other members of the Athena x-ray satellite project.
- Regularly communicate work status to group and project members and disseminate results through internal and external publications and presentations. Interact with internal and external collaborators. Disseminate results through publications and presentations.
- Presenting results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external 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 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 position is $74,000 - $108,000 annually.
- The salary range for the full-time Research Associate position 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
What We Require
- Postdoctoral Associate: A PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Engineering. Manufacturing, or a related field with 0 – 4 years of post-doctoral degree experience.
- Research Associate: A PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field with +5 years of post-doctoral degree experience.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Four (4) or more years of relevant experience.
- Familiarity with measurement of superconducting devices.
- Familiarity with cryogenic and room-temperature readout electronics.
- 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.