Postdoctoral Associate

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder (CO)

On-site

USD 67,000 - 100,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Tuition assistance

Transit/eco pass

Job summary

University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a PREP researcher collaborating with NIST in Boulder, aiming to advance time-resolved emission microscopy using SNSPD arrays. The role includes designing, fabricating, and testing novel readout architectures and developing low-power electronics for photon readout.

Qualified candidates hold a PhD in physics or a related field, with experience in SNSPDs, timing jitter measurements, and cleanroom fabrication; strong communication skills are

Qualifications

PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
Experience with SNSPDs and timing jitter measurements.
Familiarity with SNSPD array operation and fabrication.

Responsibilities

Design, fabricate and test readout architectures for SNSPD arrays.
Develop low-power electronic circuits for photonic readout.
Investigate photon emission behavior from transistors.
Integrate device physics, superconductivity and electronics into experiments.
Present findings in group meetings and publish results.

Skills

SNSPD familiarity

Timing jitter measurement

Readout architectures

Prototype tool development

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Physics or related field

Electrical Engineering (related)

Tools

SNSPD fabrication facilities

Job description

Job Summary

The Faint Photonics and Quantum Nanophotonics Groups in the Applied Physics Division at NIST in Boulder, CO, are working to develop a time‑resolved emission microscopy tool employing their world‑leading superconducting nanowire single‑photon detectors (SNSPDs) to measure the very faint infrared photon emission from transistors. The research project involves development of SNSPD arrays to observe this emission. Activities include constructing novel array architectures, quantifying the timing jitter of the detector arrays, and developing novel electronics readout methods using conventional or superconducting hardware to facilitate this readout.

PREP program

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 and thus requires that such institutions be the recipients 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.

Equal Opportunity

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 Faint Photonics Group under the Applied Physics Division at NIST.

Responsibilities

Designing, fabricating and testing novel readout architectures for single‑photon detector arrays.
Developing low‑power electronic circuits for photonic signal readout.
Investigating photon emission behavior from individual transistors.
Integrating knowledge of device physics, superconductivity, and electronics into experimental planning.
Presenting research findings in group meetings and contributing to open scientific publication.

What You Should Know

This position requires the successful completion of an NAIS agreement and federal security clearance as mandated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Employment is contingent upon approval of these requirements as determined by NIST.

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 $67,000 - $100,000 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 ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require