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.

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 Applied Systems Metrology Group at NIST.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Assessment of current NIST testing capabilities and their ability to characterize various NG wireless devices.

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.

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 Applied Systems Metrology Group at NIST.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Assessment of current NIST testing capabilities and their ability to characterize various NG wireless devices.