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Metasurfaces information

What are metasurfaces?

Metasurfaces are ultra-thin, engineered surfaces composed of arrays of subwavelength structures designed to manipulate electromagnetic waves in specific ways. Unlike traditional materials, metasurfaces can control light or other electromagnetic waves at a very fine scale, enabling applications such as advanced lenses, holography, and invisibility cloaks. Researchers and engineers working with metasurfaces often engage in designing, fabricating, and testing these nanostructures to achieve unique optical or electromagnetic properties not found in nature.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a metasurfaces research scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Metasurfaces Research Scientist, you need a strong background in physics, optics, nanofabrication, and materials science, typically supported by an advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in a related field. Familiarity with simulation tools like COMSOL Multiphysics, Lumerical, or CST, and experience with cleanroom fabrication and characterization equipment, are crucial. Critical thinking, creativity, and strong communication skills help in developing innovative solutions and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams. These competencies enable effective research, development, and translation of metasurface technologies into cutting-edge applications.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by professionals working in metasurfaces research and development?

Professionals in metasurfaces R&D often encounter challenges related to the precise fabrication of nanostructures, as even minor deviations can significantly impact device performance. Keeping up with rapid advancements in materials science and simulation tools is essential, as the field evolves quickly. Additionally, effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including physicists, engineers, and material scientists—is crucial for translating theoretical designs into practical applications. Balancing innovative research with real-world manufacturability is a common and rewarding aspect of the role.

What is the difference between Metasurfaces vs Optical Engineers?

AspectMetasurfacesOptical Engineers
Required credentialsPhysics or engineering degree, specialization in nanophotonicsEngineering degree, optics or photonics specialization
Work environmentResearch labs, nanofabrication facilitiesDesign labs, manufacturing, field testing
Industry usageResearch, advanced optics developmentOptical system design, product development

Metasurfaces are specialized nanostructured materials used to manipulate light at a subwavelength scale, often in research settings. Optical engineers design and develop optical systems and devices, applying principles of optics in practical applications. While both roles involve optics, metasurfaces focus on nanostructure fabrication and research, whereas optical engineers work on system-level design and implementation.

What are popular job titles related to Metasurfaces jobs in Colorado?

For Metasurfaces jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Metasurfaces jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Metasurfaces jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Metasurfaces jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Metasurfaces job openings:

Metasurfaces jobs near you

Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate

Boulder, CO

University of Colorado Boulder
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Full-time

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Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Requisition Number:

74308

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

04-Sep-2026

Date Posted:

20-Aug-2026
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Job Summary

This NIST PREP research position is to support the Applied Systems Metrology (ASM) group in the development of a future-proof testbed for measurement and characterization of COTS 5G and NG wireless access technologies.  Specifically, there is a strong need to develop a testbed that can physically emulate in situ channel conditions up to the full spatial spectrum as perceived by the device under test (DUT).  The PREP researcher will assess the current capabilities of the NIST facilities to determine the practical limitations in terms of time, cost, and capability to physically emulate realistic channel conditions for current and Next Generation (NG) wireless devices.  Such devices include but are not limited to multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) arrays, static metasurfaces, holographic MIMO (HMIMO) arrays, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS).  The PREP researcher will also investigate augmentation of the NIST facilities to improve their ability to impose real-world electromagnetic environments and stimuli.

This research thrust will require three components.  The first component is the development of a digital twin for use in planning and orchestration of testbed dynamics.  The second component is the development of signaling and measurement strategies for sufficient coverage and reconstruction of environmental dynamics and DUT actions.  Techniques such as compressive sensing and data-driven modelling will be leveraged to balance precision with associated time and cost for evaluation.  The third component is to develop and implement physical channel emulation devices.  Electronically controllable emulation is desirable over mechanical actuators, with emphasis on improvement of emulation adaptability and cost.  Such channel emulators may be realized using reflectors, including passive metastructures or RIS, or both.  Finally, the PREP researcher will investigate next steps towards the practical development of future-proof testbed standard(s) for adoption by regulators and developers.  The investigation will include the tradeoff between precision and adaptability, as well as physical actuation versus electrical control.  The purpose of this stage of the research will be to assist in the development of a NG testbed roadmap for both institutions and commercial communities.

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 Applied Systems Metrology Group at NIST.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
  • Assessment of current NIST testing capabilities and their ability to characterize various NG wireless devices.
  • Provide insight on how current test capabilities may be augmented or enhanced for NG wireless device characterization.
  • Develop a digital twin leveraging a real-time ray tracing system such as NVIDIA Sionna to predict the full spatial spectrum presented to the DUT.
  • Develop measurement and signal generation strategies of using various NG wireless devices to be characterized by NIST's testbed.
  • Document testbed methodologies developed during this program that may be leveraged by developers and researchers of novel NG wireless devices.
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 January 1, 2027.  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.
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.

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Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.
What We Require
  • Postdoctoral Associate: Doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field with 0 - 4 years of post-doctoral degree experience.
  • Research Associate: Doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field with 5+ years of post-doctoral degree experience.
What We Would Like You to Have
  • Two (2) or more years of relevant experience.
  • Strong background in NG wireless devices, digital twin development, and measurement techniques of these devices. 
  • Ability to document advanced concepts in research venues such as conferences and journal papers.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate within a research environment.
  • 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 September 4, 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.

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