Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate

Job Summary

NIST is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to conduct experimental and
theoretical research on Rydberg atom containing vapor cells,
interactions between alkali metals and vapor cell materials, and
photonics integration for applications in radio frequency (RF)
communications and quantum sensing. The researcher will focus on
improving the sensor head in Rydberg atom-based sensors,
specifically the containment package of alkali Rydberg atoms and
electromagnetic field propagation through and interaction with that
package. Experimental responsibilities may include designing,
building, and troubleshooting lasers, optical, electronic, RF, and
vacuum systems, designing and fabricating novel vapor cells,
operating SEM, AFM, and Xray tools for surface studies, designing
and integrating photonic devices, and developing software for data
acquisition and analysis. The candidate will also be expected to
understand how to develop and analyze atomic models of Rydberg
systems and light-mater interaction models as well as conduct
electromagnetic simulations.

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
Electromagnetics Fields Group at NIST.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Design and perform experiments to advance our understanding of

and performance of vapor cell packages for Rydberg atom
sensors.

• Develop theoretical models of atomic systems, atomic sensors,

light matter interactions, and compare these 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 of 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 (including degree).
• Familiarity with atom-optical-molecular systems.
• Familiarity with photonics.
• Ability to work with, stabilize, and align laser systems.
• Familiarity with remote instrument communication (Python

proficiency preferred).

• Ability to develop data analysis software (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