What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate position at CU Boulder?
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The Cryocoolers Team at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado Boulder seeks multiple candidates to study and develop novel cryogenic refrigerators. The Team is primarily interested in the energy efficiency and accessibility of refrigerators that cool to temperatures near 4 K; these refrigerators are critical for a variety of quantum sensing and quantum computing applications. Experimental, numerical, and analytical methods are used by the Team to develop, demonstrate, and commercialize new technology.
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 want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
- Analyzing complex thermoacoustic systems to determine important physical processes that limit cryogenic refrigerators (cryocoolers).
- Building numerical models of cryocoolers to predict and improve performance.
- Designing, manufacturing, and operating proof-of-principle experiments to demonstrate new cryocooler technology.
- Publishing research articles, presenting at academic conferences, and commercializing new cryocooler technology.
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 November 8, 2026. Anticipated end date is March 31, 2028, (possibly longer if grant is renewed).
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.
- 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.
- Onboarding/relocation assistance may be available, however, if within a 12-month period you exercise your right to willfully terminate your employment with the University of Colorado, you hereby agree to reimburse the department for your relocation expense.
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.
- Postdoctoral Associate: PhD in Engineering, Physics, or related field with 0 - 4 years of post-doctoral degree experience.
- Research Associate: PhD in Engineering, Physics, or related field with 5 years of post-doctoral degree experience.
- Strong background in one or all of the following: thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, refrigeration, or acoustics.
- Experience designing, manufacturing, and operating complex experimental systems.
- Resume or CV
- Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
Salary : $74,000 - $108,000