"Professional Research Assistant"

Job Summary

This work aims to develop time-resolved emission microscopy (TREM) tools for characterizing modern semiconductor devices. The Faint Photonics and Quantum Nanophotonics Groups in the Applied Physics Division at NIST in Boulder, CO, are working to develop a TREM setup employing their world-leading superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) to measure the very faint infrared photon emission from transistors.

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 and thus requires that such institutions be the recipients 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 Faint Photonics Group under the Applied Physics Division at NIST.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Use time-resolved emission microscopy and superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors to perform optical spectroscopy on semiconductor devices emitting infrared photons and to support the optical classification of integrated circuits.
• Design and implement improvements to the microscope and fiber collection system as needed.
• Test and characterize single-photon detectors, measuring wavelength-dependent detection efficiency, dark count rates, and timing jitter.
• Automate measurement procedures and control of electrical equipment.
• Present results at internal and external meetings.
• Ensure that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this full-time position is $65,000 - $87,000 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.

What We Require

Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

What We Would Like You To Have

PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. No additional experience beyond a Master’s or Ph.D. degree is required. Expertise in one or more of the following: Free-space optics, Optical imaging, Fiber optics, Optical spectroscopy, Photon-counting techniques, RF electronics, Cryogenics. Experience using scientific software for measurement automation and data analysis (Python, MATLAB, etc.). Strong oral and written communication skills.

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.