Job SummaryThis 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.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be- Contribute to research and development of novel microfabricated devices for linear and nonlinear electromagnetic and acoustic measurements of piezoelectric materials.
- Evaluate electromagnetic and acoustic properties of variable composition samples at frequencies from 100 kHz up to 100 GHz, using custom and commercial test fixtures.
- Develop and simulate computational models of material-loaded microelectronic devices to quantify electric, acoustic, and piezoelectric fields for a range of incident powers and applied electromagnetic and acoustic fields.
- Analyze measurement results in conjunction with finite-element simulations to identify relevant material parameters of materials under test.
- Communicate and collaborate with team members, other NIST teams, and external teams.
- Present and publish results as appropriate.
What You Should KnowPrivacy Act StatementThis 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.
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 the 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
- The salary range for the full-time Research Associate position is $78,000 - $135,000
- 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.
BenefitsAt 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. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be StatementsBe ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.
What We Require - Postdoctoral Associate: A PhD in physics, materials science, electrical engineering or related field with 0 - 4 years of post-doctoral degree experience.
- Research Associate: A PhD in physics, materials science, electrical engineering or related field with 5+ years of post-doctoral degree experience.
What We Would Like You to Have- Basic experience with vector network analyzers.
- Experience with acoustic measurement techniques.
- Measurement and interpretation of electrical properties using probe station.
- Laboratory safety training.
- Strong oral and written communication in English language.
- Familiarity with scientific scripting languages.
- Ability to develop prototypes of tools needed to analyze data.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
Special InstructionsTo apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document.
During the application process, you will need to enter contact information for a reference. We will request the letter of recommendation immediately following your application.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until
November 17, 2026.Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
