PREP0004037 Nanophotonics Postdoctoral Researcher

PREP Research Associate

Opportunity No.: PREP0004037

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (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, and 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. Salary levels vary depending on the candidate's experience.

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Nanophotonics Postdoctoral Researcher

Project Title:
Researcher in Integrated Photonic Sensors and Standards

Project Description:

The Quantum Measurement Division’s Applied Electrical Metrology Group at NIST is seeking for a highly motivated researcher to support the development of next-generation integrated photonics-based thermal transfer standards. At NIST, you will gain research experience and measurement skills that are highly valuable for a career in academia, industry, or a national laboratory.

The sponsor is developing the next-generation photonic integrated circuit (PIC) based ac-dc voltage transfer standard (PTTS). This chip-scale device combines a conventional ac-dc transfer standard technology and ultra-sensitive nanophotonic thermometry. By leveraging recent advances in nanofabrication, photonics, optical frequency metrology, and ac-dc difference measurements, the PTTS chip aims to exceed the metrological performance of conventional thermal transfer standards and overcome fundamental limitations of legacy technology.

The research project spans two complementary domains:

• Integrated photonics: Design, fabrication, and characterization of novel PIC-based devices for sensing applications
• Optical frequence metrology: Development of new optical read-out strategies based on laser locking, spectroscopy, and frequency comb-based techniques for high-resolution optical readout and robust measurement solutions for the field

The sponsor encourages applicants with expertise in either domain to apply. The position will be tailored to the candidate’s strengths and interests.

Key Responsibilities (varied, based on candidate's expertise): 

• Development of new photonic readout methods for sensing applications
• Laser spectroscopy and frequency locking to nanophotonic systems
• Optical frequency metrology for nanophotonic applications
• Design, nanofabrication, and characterization of integrated photonic devices

The candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Work on cutting-edge nanophotonics science and technology projects
• Play an active role in defining new research directions and programs
• Be a member of a multidisciplinary collaborative team of scientists
• Submit project-related invention disclosures and patent applications
• Publish in prestigious scientific journals and present at technical conferences

Desired Qualifications: 

• Ph.D. or equivalent experience in natural sciences, engineering, or related fields
• Innovative thinking and the ability to conduct research both independently and collaboratively
• Hands-on experimental skills and a desire to develop new research capabilities
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Prior hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Laser spectroscopy
  • Frequency combs
  • Integrated photonics
  • Micro-/nanofabrication

Other Details:

• Full-time: the participant is expected to work 40 hours a week
• Location: the participant will work at the NIST Gaithersburg Campus.
• Duration: this is expected to be a one-year position. Extensions are sometimes granted depending on the availability of funds.
• For questions related to the research project or the nature of the work in this position, please contact Dr. Nikolai Klimov (nklimov@nist.gov). For questions related to the online application or NIST PREP more generally, please contact msu-nistprep@morgan.edu.

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 the administrative functions of the PREP Program.

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