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Job Summary
The proposed work will be performed within the Quantum Nanophotonics and Faint Photonics groups within the Applied Physics Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder, CO, USA. Primary duties consist of analyzing and improving the performance of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs). This task involves both nanofabrication in a specialized cleanroom facility, as well as device testing and characterization in an optics setup. The research requires the development of novel materials and SNSPD device designs to combine multiple performance metrics into single devices such as system efficiency, maximum count rate, and photon number resolution. These optimized SNSPDs will be used to improve throughput and confidence thresholds in quantum networking and other quantum experiments performed at NIST. Additional responsibilities include the application of SNSPDs into newer avenues including ion detection in mass spectrometers, and quantum-state imaging. Contribution to various international partnerships and collaborations involving SNSPDs, as well as writing grant proposals to bring in sources of external funding will also be required. The candidate will be responsible for supervision and mentorship of at least one graduate student or postdoctoral student.
This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. 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 Faint Photonics Group at NIST.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Design and fabricate new SNSPD architectures to surpass the 98% efficiency threshold and increase maximum count rate above 10 MHz.
• Test SNSPD devices using cryogenic systems and contribute to maintenance and operation of those systems.
• Contribute to domestic and international collaborations with groups working on SNSPDs.
• Write grant proposals.
• Train and mentor one or more graduate students or postdocs.
• Support experiments involving random number generation, Bell tests, distributed entanglement by applying SNSPDs.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present results at conferences.

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 August 16, 2026.
• Anticipated end date is September 30, 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 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.
Be Statements
Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.
What We Require

• Postdoctoral Associate: PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field with 0 - 4 years of post-doctoral degree experience.
• Research Associate: PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field with 5+ years of post-doctoral degree experience.

What We Would Like You to Have

• At least five (5) years of relevant post-PhD experience.
• Expertise in SNSPD design, fabrication and testing.
• Previous experience in experimental quantum optics such as entanglement generation using nonlinear optics.
• Expertise in the design and operation of cryogenic systems.
• Previous experience with vacuum and high-vacuum systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of RF electronics and circuit design.
• Demonstrated record of publication in peer reviewed journals.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software such as Solidworks.
• Proficiency in measurement automation and data analysis programming using Python and/or Labview.

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 June 7th, 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.