"Professional Research Assistant"

Job Summary

The primary objective of this project is two-fold: first, to innovate low-phase and amplitude noise frequency synthesis techniques spanning from radio frequencies to the optical regime; and second, to develop advanced analog and digital measurement systems for precise phase and time characterization. This capability is vital to the NIST mission, enabling the creation of sophisticated instrumentation with significantly lower noise floors and higher throughput—essential requirements for characterizing next-generation atomic clocks and ultra-low-noise oscillators.

To achieve these rigorous performance standards, the work requires a synergistic approach that bridges the analog and digital domains. The research will focus on integrating high-performance analog front-ends—critical for signal purity—with modern FPGA-based digital signal processing. By leveraging the low-noise characteristics of precision analog design alongside the flexibility of digital analysis, this project aims to create robust measurement architectures that outperform traditional single-domain solutions.

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 Time and Frequency - HQ Group at NIST.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Design and construct low phase frequency synthesizers and oscillators.
• Amplitude and phase noise metrology.
• PCB layout and design of measurement system circuits.
• Develop FPGA based measurement system firmware.
• Presenting 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 We Can Offer

• The salary range for this full-time position is $54,000 - $90,000 annually.

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 creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Master’s or PhD degree in a STEM discipline.
• High level skill in RF/microwave signal analysis and system design.
• Experience in phase locked loops.
• Proficiency in FPGA with Xilinx ZynQ.
• Proficiency in Altium Designer.
• Familiarity with phase noise metrology is advantageous.
• Ability to code with, or learn to code with: MATLAB, LabView, and Python is required.

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 March 11, 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