Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004375)

Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University is seeking a PREP Research Associate to collaborate on scientific research with NIST. The successful candidate will apply high-accuracy measurement methods to optical properties of materials and tackle real-world challenges in energy materials and advanced manufacturing.

This role requires a Ph.D. in a related field, hands-on experience with optical instruments, and programming knowledge in Python or MATLAB. Candidates are expected to publish research findings and develop an independent research program.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required with a focus in relevant scientific fields.
• Hands-on experience in optical instrument design and construction.
• Demonstrated proficiency in laser technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve measurement methods for optical properties.
• Reduce measurement uncertainties in optical data.
• Design and refine experimental systems for optical metrology.
• Analyze datasets and perform uncertainty analysis.
• Publish findings and present at conferences.

Skills

Hands-on experience in design and construction of optical instruments

Demonstrated experience with laser technologies

Programming proficiency with Python, MATLAB, or LabView

Familiarity with optical modeling

Strong enthusiasm for learning new techniques

Education

Ph.D. in Physics, Optics, Engineering, Chemistry, or closely related field

Job description

PREP Research Associate

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. The role involves collaborating with researchers at academic institutions on scientific research projects of mutual interest. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

Research Title

Optical Properties of Materials

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and improve high‑accuracy measurement methods for determining optical properties of materials, including reflectance, transmittance, and bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) across UV, visible, and short‑wave infrared spectral regions.
• Reduce measurement uncertainties and advance the reliability and traceability of optical property data.
• Design, build, and refine experimental systems and instrumentation for optical metrology.
• Apply optical property measurements to real‑world challenges, including energy materials, remote sensing, advanced manufacturing, and optical coatings.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets, including uncertainty analysis and model development.
• Publish research findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences.
• Develop and sustain an independent, forward‑looking research program that expands the impact of optical material measurements across industry, government, and academia.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Optics, Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Hands‑on experience in design and construction of optical instruments.
• Demonstrated experience with laser technologies.
• Familiarity or direct experience with optical modeling.
• Programming proficiency with Python, MATLAB, or LabView for instrument control and data analysis.
• Evidence of independent research experience and a strong enthusiasm for learning new theoretical, computational, and experimental techniques.
• U.S. citizenship strongly preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.