Develop theoretical models of atomic systems and atomic sensors
and compare them with experimental measurements.
Keep a well-maintained log of experimental activities.
Disseminate research through peer-reviewed journals,
conferences, and other presentations.
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 December 1, 2026. Anticipated end date is
March 31, 2028.
Privacy Act Statement
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 for 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.
What We Can Offer
- 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.
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
- 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.
What We Would Like You to Have
- 4+ years of relevant experience.
- Familiarity with atom-optical-molecular systems.
- Familiarity with photonics.
- Ability to work with, stabilize, and align laser systems.
- Familiarity with remote instrument communication (Matlab,
Python, or Labview proficiency preferred).
- Ability to develop data analysis software (Matlab or Python
proficiency preferred).
- Strong oral and written communication skills in the English
language.
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.
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 30 , 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.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Lisa Valencia
Posting Contact Email: recruitprep@colorado.edu
