Volunteer Atom Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (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.
The work will entail: NIST has an exciting opportunity to further research into Rydberg atom systems and their applications to radio wave communications and quantum sensing. The postdoctoral scholar will complete experimental and theoretical work to advance the performance of Rydberg atom systems in the detection of electric fields. Experimental work will include designing, building, and troubleshooting laser, optical and electronic systems as well as operating RF and microwave equipment and developing data analysis software. Theoretical work will include developing and analyzing atomic models for Rydberg atoms and performing RF simulations.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Design and perform experiments to advance the performance of Rydberg atom electrometers and communications receivers.
• Develop theoretical models of atomic systems and atomic sensors and compare with experimental measurements.
• Keep a well-maintained log of experimental activities.
• Disseminate research through peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and other presentations.

Qualifications

• A Doctorate's degree in Physics, Atomic Physics, Optics, Quantum Optics, or a related field.
• 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Familiarity with atom-optical-molecular systems.
• Ability to work with, stabilize, and align laser systems.
• Familiarity with remote instrument communication (Matlab, Python, or Labview proficiency preferred).
• Ability to develop data analysis software (Matlab or Python proficiency preferred).
• Strong oral and written communication skills in the English language.

Please upload the following (preferably in a single PDF) with your application:

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter

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 for 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.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
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