"Postdoctoral Associate"

Job Summary

This work aims to develop the tools and understanding for transducing microwave photons into optical photons in a quantum compatible way. To this end, we are fabricating hybrid devices that feature superconducting electronics, gigahertz acoustics, and quantum dot (QD) single photon sources on the same chip. We will use the strong acousto-optic coupling and excellent photon emission properties of our in-house grown InAs QDs to enable a fast and efficient quantum transducer. Careful design and state-of-the-art fabrication techniques are required to combine all three functionalities on the same chip while not sacrificing the demanding performance metrics of each individual component. The project scope is limited to fundamental research, and results will be available in the public domain through journal articles and conference presentations.

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.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

PREP is a special partnership between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado Boulder. PREP provides research opportunities to CU undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in NIST labs to gain research experience alongside NIST scientists.

The particular group that needs a researcher is the Quantum Nanophotonics Group under the Applied Physics Division at NIST.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Fabricate hybrid QD/surface acoustic wave (SAW) nanostructures.
• Assemble cavities and test quality factors.
• Perform microwave and optical measurements on fabricated devices.
• Present results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders.
• Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization.

What You Should Know

What We Can Offer

• The salary range for this full-time position is $67,000 - $100,000 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.

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

• A PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Three (3) or more years of relevant experience at the graduate level.
• Experience with finite element modeling software, such as COMSOL.
• Experience with nanofabrication techniques, such as electron beam lithography and plasma etching.
• Experience working with devices in a cryogenic environment (< 10K).
• Experience with narrow linewidth lasers and microwave engineering and measurements.
• Familiarity with Python, Matlab, or similar programming language.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including a strong record of peer-reviewed publications.

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 October 16, 2025.