Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate

NIST is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to conduct experimental and theoretical research on Rydberg atom containing vapor cells, interactions between alkali metals and vapor cell materials, and photonics integration for applications in radio frequency (RF) communications and quantum sensing. The researcher will focus on improving the sensor head in Rydberg atom-based sensors, specifically the containment package of alkali Rydberg atoms and electromagnetic field propagation through and interaction with that package. Experimental responsibilities may include designing, building, and troubleshooting lasers, optical, electronic, RF, and vacuum systems, designing and fabricating novel vapor cells, operating SEM, AFM, and Xray tools for surface studies, designing and integrating photonic devices, and developing software for data acquisition and analysis. The candidate will also be expected to understand how to develop and analyze atomic models of Rydberg systems and light-mater interaction models as well as conduct electromagnetic simulations.

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 want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.

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 December 1, 2026. Anticipated end date is March 31, 2028.

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 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.

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.

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.

Postdoctoral Associate: A Doctorate’s degree in Physics, Atomic Physics, Optics, Quantum Optics, or a related field with 0 – 4 years of post-doctoral degree experience .

Research Associate: A Doctorate’s degree in Physics, Atomic Physics, Optics, Quantum Optics, or a related field with 5+ years of post-doctoral degree experience .

4+ years of relevant experience (including degree).

Familiarity with atom-optical-molecular systems.

Familiarity with photonics.

Ability to work with, stabilize, and align laser systems.

Familiarity with remote instrument communication (Python proficiency preferred).

Ability to develop data analysis software (Python proficiency preferred).

Strong oral and written communication skills in the English language.

Resume or CV

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