Job Summary

This NIST PREP research position is to support the Applied Systems Metrology (ASM) group in the development of a future-proof testbed for measurement and characterization of COTS 5G and NG wireless access technologies. Specifically, there is a strong need to develop a testbed that can physically emulate in situ channel conditions up to the full spatial spectrum as perceived by the device under test (DUT). The PREP researcher will assess the current capabilities of the NIST facilities to determine the practical limitations in terms of time, cost, and capability to physically emulate realistic channel conditions for current and Next Generation (NG) wireless devices. Such devices include but are not limited to multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) arrays, static metasurfaces, holographic MIMO (HMIMO) arrays, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS). The PREP researcher will also investigate augmentation of the NIST facilities to improve their ability to impose real-world electromagnetic environments and stimuli.

This research thrust will require three components. The first component is the development of a digital twin for use in planning and orchestration of testbed dynamics. The second component is the development of signaling and measurement strategies for sufficient coverage and reconstruction of environmental dynamics and DUT actions. Techniques such as compressive sensing and data-driven modelling will be leveraged to balance precision with associated time and cost for evaluation. The third component is to develop and implement physical channel emulation devices. Electronically controllable emulation is desirable over mechanical actuators, with emphasis on improvement of emulation adaptability and cost. Such channel emulators may be realized using reflectors, including passive metastructures or RIS, or both. Finally, the PREP researcher will investigate next steps towards the practical development of future-proof testbed standard(s) for adoption by regulators and developers. The investigation will include the tradeoff between precision and adaptability, as well as physical actuation versus electrical control. The purpose of this stage of the research will be to assist in the development of a NG testbed roadmap for both institutions and commercial communities.

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, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient 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

• Assessment of current NIST testing capabilities and their ability to characterize various NG wireless devices.
• Provide insight on how current test capabilities may be augmented or enhanced for NG wireless device characterization.
• Develop a digital twin leveraging a real-time ray tracing system such as NVIDIA Sionna to predict the full spatial spectrum presented to the DUT.
• Develop measurement and signal generation strategies of using various NG wireless devices to be characterized by NIST's testbed.
• Document testbed methodologies developed during this program that may be leveraged by developers and researchers of novel NG wireless devices.

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.

Anticipated start date is January 1, 2027. Anticipated end date is March 31, 2028.

What We Can Offer

• The salary range for the full-time Postdoctoral Associate position is $74,000 - $108,000 annually.
• The salary range for the full-time Research Associate position is $78,000 - $135,000 annually.

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

• Postdoctoral Associate: Doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field with 0 - 4 years of post-doctoral degree experience .
• Research Associate: Doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field with 5+ years of post-doctoral degree experience .

What We Would Like You to Have

• Two (2) or more years of relevant experience.
• Strong background in NG wireless devices, digital twin development, and measurement techniques of these devices.
• Ability to document advanced concepts in research venues such as conferences and journal papers.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate within a research environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV
2. Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.

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. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.

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 remain open until September 4, 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.