Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004208)

Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University seeks a Research Associate for the NIST program, focusing on advanced RF measurement systems and traceable communication testing. Candidates are expected to hold a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or a similar field and demonstrate substantial research experience in RF measurement and antenna design.

This position involves setting up and automating tests for 5G and 6G systems, performing uncertainty evaluations, and contributing to publications. A preference for U.S. citizens applies.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or similar field.
• Research experience in RF measurement and antenna design.
• Experience with LabView, MATLAB, or Python.

Responsibilities

• Perform precision electromagnetic field measurements and uncertainty evaluation.
• Develop multiport OTA measurement methods and assess measurement uncertainty.
• Automate instrumentation for experiments.

Skills

RF measurement

Antenna design

Signal processing

Measurement automation software

Metrology and uncertainty analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

LabView

MATLAB

Python

HFSS

ADS

Job description

PREP Research Associate – National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

This position is part of the NIST Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). The program establishes collaborative research relationships with U.S. academic institutions to support scientific research. Individuals in this role will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.

Research Title: PREP0004208 – OTA Communications Measurements with Traceable Signal and Channel at mmWave Frequencies

Position Summary: A postdoctoral position focused on traceable measurement systems for wide‑bandwidth modulated signals. Responsibilities include setting up and automating hybrid anechoic measurements, using synthetic aperture techniques, creating test environments for novel 5G and 6G systems with beam‑steering phased arrays, and incorporating measurement uncertainties through the NIST Microwave Uncertainty Framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Precision electromagnetic field measurements and uncertainty evaluation.
• Development of multiport OTA measurement approaches, including assessment of measurement uncertainty.
• Instrument automation.
• Accurate modulated‑signal analysis of signals.
• Analysis of data and measurements to provide a complete traceability path to primary standards.
• Experimental design to create repeatable test conditions that expose devices to a traceably known condition.
• Present and publish technical results.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Research experience involving RF measurement, antenna design/characterization, signal processing, or EMI/EMC testing.
• Experience with RF measurement, antenna design/characterization, and signal processing.
• Experience with microwave electronics simulation software (e.g., HFSS and ADS) is desirable.
• Experience with LabView, MATLAB, Python, or other measurement automation and analysis software.
• Mechanical and electrical design and fabrication capability is desirable.
• Metrology and uncertainty analysis experience.

U.S. Citizen Preferred.

Equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.