Professional Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary
The Professional Research Assistant will contribute to a team which is attempting to design, build, and operate the world's first optical network of superconducting quantum computers. This interdisciplinary project entails the design and construction of nonlinear optical systems capable of generating quantum states of light, precision measurements of those states, and the distribution of this light as an entanglement resource. At the nodes of the network, novel microwave-optical transducers operating in a cryogenic environment will establish the vital interconnect with the qubit states of the superconducting quantum processors. Through a NIST cleanroom fabrication effort, the transducers are being engineered into reliable, modular, telecom-ready devices. The associate will have the opportunity to become involved with multiple aspects of this project while strengthening an array of skills through hands-on laboratory tasks, design challenges, and data analysis.
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 Quantum Networking & Transduction Group at NIST.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Design and construction of entangled photon pair sources to generate non-classical, squeezed states of light, non-Gaussian states of light, and quantum entangled light.
• Implementation of quantum measurement protocols such quantum feed forward to reduce measurement noise below classical limits.
• Design and construction of stable opto-mechanic launch systems to efficiently couple non-classical light into and out of cryogenic optical cavity systems.
• Implementation of feed-back control systems to stabilize optical frequency, phase, polarization, and mechanical motion for coherent optical interactions and measurements.
• Performance of precision optical homodyne tomography and correlated noise measurements of quantum optical states to quantify their suitability for network operation.
• Provide technical input to research problems which have been recognized as critical obstacles to progress in quantum networking.
• Prepare journal manuscripts, attend research conferences, and present technical results.
• Work as a member of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.

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 September 19, 2026.
• Anticipated end date is September 17, 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

• The salary range for this full-time position is $54,000 - $78,000 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 field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Knowledge of physics, electrical engineering, computer science, and/or quantum information theory.
• Experience with measurement equipment such as signal generators, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, electrical amplifiers, photodetectors, power meters, Fabry-Perot cavities, and lock-in detectors and feedback circuits.
• Familiarity with precision optical, electrical, and microwave measurement techniques.
• Knowledge of cryogenics and dilution refrigerator operating principles is advantageous.
• Ability to write code with MATLAB, LabView, and Python is required.
• Familiarity with optical design software (e.g. Zemax, Code V, OSLO), mechanical design software (e.g. COMSOL), or microwave design software (e.g. HFSS, AWS) is desirable.
• Experience with electrical circuit design, soldering, and debugging is required.
• Familiarity with opto-mechanic design, computer-aided design, and machine shop skills is desirable.
• Familiarity with building materials, hardware, and basic construction and assembly methods.
• Comfortable working with hands doing manual tasks.
• 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.
3. (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 July 23, 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.