Job Summary

The Professional Research Assistant will conduct original research on the design, fabrication, and metrology of superconducting spintronic devices for advanced superconducting electronics. The work includes thin-film materials development, cleanroom fabrication, high-speed (>10 GHz) electronic characterization, and modeling of magnetic flux behavior and mitigation strategies relevant to scalable superconducting and neuromorphic circuits.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) invites applications for a Professional Research Assistant through the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). This position offers the opportunity to lead experimental research in superconducting spintronics, combining materials development, device fabrication, and high-speed electronic metrology within a national laboratory environment.

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

• Design, fabricate, and characterize superconducting spintronic devices
• Operate and optimize multi-gun sputter deposition systems
• Explore new ferromagnetic and spintronic material stacks.
• Perform high-speed electronic measurements of superconducting devices and circuits.
• Develop scalable measurement and data-analysis workflows.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
• Collaborate closely with NIST scientists while maintaining research ownership.

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 November 20, 2026. Anticipated end date is one year, but no later than March 31, 2028.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this full-time position is $65,000 - $108,000 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. 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 Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Master's degree (completed or near completion) in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.

What We Would Like You to Have

• PhD degree (completed or near completion) in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Experience with cryogenics.
• Background in ferromagnetic, spintronic, or superconducting measurements.
• Proficiency with Python or similar scripting languages.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

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

For full consideration, please apply by October 2, 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.