Research Associate

Job Summary

The Materials Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified candidates to perform theoretical and computational studies of heat transport in nanoscale thermal junctions, including thin semiconductor films. This position centers on advancing nanoscale heat-transport science and converting it into practical engineering outcomes. The work is fast-paced, collaborative, and integrated with ongoing research across a premier federal research institution. 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 want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.

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 Thermodynamics Research Center Group at NIST.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Design and perform molecular dynamics simulations of heat transport in nanoscale semiconductors.
• Characterize vibrational properties of atoms in crystals using density functional theory.
• Parameterize and solve Boltzmann Transport Equation (BTE) to describe heat transport.
• Use theoretical knowledge of solid state physics to interpret simulated data.
• Work independently to address scientific challenges and contribute to reports, manuscripts, and conference presentations.

What We Can Offer

• The salary range for this full-time 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. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A PhD in solid state physics or related field.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Expertise in using molecular dynamics to simulate heat transport in crystalline solids.
• Expertise in calculating atomic vibrational properties using density functional theory.
• Expertise in parameterizing and using BTE to study heat transport in nanostructures.
• Experience with finite element modeling tools (e.g., COMSOL).
• Experience in electron band structure calculations for semiconductors.
• Interest in applying Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence to predict heat transport properties.
• Excellent technical writing and oral 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 May 5th, 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.