Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate

Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate

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Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate

Requisition Number:

74695

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

28-Sep-2026

Date Posted:

14-Sep-2026

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Job Summary

Job Summary

Postdoctoral research in the NIST Boulder Sources and Detectors Group to develop novel photonic hardware for quantum measurement and artificial intelligence, with a focus on emerging technologies with future industry relevance and collaboration with industry partners. The position can focus on one of two complementary research directions, depending on the candidate's background and interests:

• Waveguide-integrated superconducting single-photon detectors. Research will explore the integration of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) with photonic waveguides, with an emphasis on high-efficiency photon detection, device design and fabrication, optical coupling, cryogenic characterization, and integrated quantum photonic systems.
• Optical hardware for artificial intelligence. Research will explore free-space optical systems for performing high-speed, energy-efficient matrix-vector multiplication and other operations relevant to neural networks. Possible directions include optical architectures for linear algebra, spatial light modulation, photodetection and readout, calibration and control of analog optical systems, and experimental demonstrations of photonic neural-network hardware.

Both directions emphasize the development of new physical hardware and experimental systems, with opportunities spanning device and system design, modeling, fabrication, optical experiments, electronics and control, and data analysis. Projects can be tailored to take advantage of the successful candidate's expertise while providing opportunities to develop skills across photonics, electronics, quantum technologies, and emerging computing architectures. Candidates are not expected to have experience in both research areas.

The ideal candidate will enjoy building experimental systems, developing new hardware concepts, and working at the intersection of fundamental physics and emerging technologies.

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

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 Sources and Detectors Group at NIST.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Develop new physical hardware and experimental systems, with opportunities spanning device and system design, modeling, fabrication, optical experiments, electronics and control, and data analysis.
• Write Python code for data acquisition and analysis.
• Construction and operation of experimental hardware that may include laser optical systems, integrated photonics, cryogenics, and analog or mixed-signal electronics.
• Document results and procedures in lab books, written manuals, operating procedures, or technical reports.
• Communicate results to NIST stakeholders via conference presentations and peer reviewed papers.

What You Should Know

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 28, 2026. Anticipated end date is December 31, 2027.

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

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.

Benefits

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 Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

What We Require

• Postdoctoral Associate: Ph.D. in applied physics, electrical engineering, optics/photonics, quantum science and engineering, or related field with 0 - 4 years of post-doctoral degree experience.
• Research Associate: Ph.D. in applied physics, electrical engineering, optics/photonics, quantum science and engineering, or related field with 5+ years of post-doctoral degree experience.

What We Would Like You to Have

What We Would Like You to Have

• Experience working in laboratory environment.
• Python programming knowledge.
• Dedication to safe operation of laboratory equipment.
• Relevant experience may include integrated photonics, superconducting devices, nanofabrication, cryogenic measurements, free-space optics, optical system design, analog or mixed-signal electronics, computational imaging, or photonic/neuromorphic computing.

Special Instructions

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.
• (optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree

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.

For full consideration, please apply by September 28, 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

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