"Postdoctoral Associate"

Job Summary

The Quantum Nanophotonics and Faint Photonics groups (led by Rich Mirin and Marty Stevens) in the Applied Physics Division at NIST is seeking qualified candidates for a postdoctoral researcher position to work on development of heterogeneous photonic integrated circuits. Of particular interest is development of on-chip high-power and narrow linewidth semiconductor laser sources operating in the wavelength range of 780 nm – 980 nm. The position will be based at NIST in Boulder, Colorado. Candidates will have access to NIST-Boulder Microfabrication Facility, a state-of-the-art 18,000 square foot cleanroom specialized in fabrication of photonic integrated circuits and optoelectronic devices, and to an extensive optical and electrical testing facility. The Quantum Nanophotonics Group also operates a III-V MBE system dedicated to the growth of InAlGaAs semiconductor devices.

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

• Simulation and design of high-power, narrow linewidth, single frequency lasers.
• Layout design and device fabrication in Boulder Microfabrication facility.
• Optical and electrical testing of the fabricated photonic components.
• Chip-scale nonlinear Photonics (modeling, design, fabrication, and testing).

What You Should Know

Authority and Purpose details as per the text.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this full-time position is $67,000 - $100,000 annually. Onboarding/relocation assistance may be available.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass.

What We Require

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

What We Would Like You to Have

Expertise in one or more of the following: Laser device physics, Photonic device modeling using COMSOL, Lumerical, and/or FIMMWAVE, Photonic integrated circuit and/or semiconductor laser fabrication, Optics and photonics characterization.

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. Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until August 29, 2025.