Assistant Research Scientist (PREP0004122)

Johns Hopkins University; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University is seeking a PREP Research Associate to engage in cutting-edge scientific research in collaboration with NIST. This position involves designing low-phase synthesizers, conducting noise metrology, and developing measurement system firmware within innovative projects.

Applicants should hold a degree in a STEM discipline and possess skills in RF analysis and FPGA programming. The role offers an opportunity to contribute to advanced measurement architectures and publish research findings.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen preferred.
• Experience in phase‑locked loops.
• Familiarity with phase noise metrology is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and construct low‑phase frequency synthesizers and oscillators.
• Conduct amplitude and phase noise metrology.
• Layout and design PCBs for measurement system circuits.
• Develop FPGA‑based measurement system firmware.
• Present results at internal meetings and meetings with external stakeholders.
• Archive results, protocols, software, and documentation to the organization.

Skills

RF/microwave signal analysis and system design

FPGA programming using Xilinx ZynQ

Altium Designer proficiency

Coding with MATLAB, LabVIEW, Python

Education

Bachelor's, Master's or Ph.D. degree in a STEM discipline

Job description

Job Overview

The PREP Research Associate position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. It involves collaborating with academic researchers on projects that require a PREP award and focuses on scientific research across many areas.

Research Title

Advanced Low-Noise Frequency Synthesis and Phase Noise Metrology

Project Focus

The primary objective of this project is two‑fold: first, to innovate low‑phase and amplitude‑noise frequency synthesis techniques spanning from radio frequencies to the optical regime; second, to develop advanced analog and digital measurement systems for precise phase and time characterization. The project seeks to create robust measurement architectures that outperform traditional singledomain solutions by integrating high‑performance analog front‑ends with modern FPGA‑based digital signal processing.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and construct low‑phase frequency synthesizers and oscillators
• Conduct amplitude and phase noise metrology
• Layout and design PCBs for measurement system circuits
• Develop FPGA‑based measurement system firmware
• Present results at internal meetings and occasional meetings with external stakeholders
• Archive or otherwise transmit results, protocols, software, and documentation to the organization

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen (Preferred)
• Bachelor's, Master's or Ph.D. degree in a STEM discipline
• High level skill in RF/microwave signal analysis and system design
• Experience in phase‑locked loops
• Proficiency with FPGA using Xilinx ZynQ
• Proficiency with Altium Designer
• Familiarity with phase noise metrology is advantageous
• Ability to code with, or learn to code with: MATLAB, LabVIEW, and Python

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. It does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. The university ensures that qualified individuals have access to all academic and employment programs, benefits, and activities based on demonstrated ability, performance, and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.