Assistant Research Scientist; PREP

Research Title

• Advanced Low-Noise Frequency Synthesis and Phase Noise Metrology

The primary objective of this project is two‑fold: first, to innovate low‑phase and amplitude noise frequency synthesis techniques spanning from radio frequencies to the optical regime; and second, to develop advanced analog and digital measurement systems for precise phase and time characterization. This capability is vital to the NIST mission, enabling the creation of sophisticated instrumentation with significantly lower noise floors and higher throughput—essential requirements for characterizing next‑generation atomic clocks and ultra‑low‑noise oscillators.

To achieve these rigorous performance standards, the work requires a synergistic approach that bridges the analog and digital domains. The research will focus on integrating high‑performance analog front‑ends critical for signal purity with modern FPGA‑based digital signal processing. By leveraging the low‑noise characteristics of precision analog design alongside the flexibility of digital analysis, this project aims to create robust measurement architectures that outperform traditional single domain solutions.

• Design and construct low‑phase frequency synthesizers and oscillators
• Amplitude and phase noise metrology
• PCB layout and design of measurement system circuits
• Develop FPGA based measurement system firmware
• Presenting results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders
• Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization

• U.S. Citizen Preferred
• Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree in a STEM discipline
• High level skill in RF/microwave signal analysis and system design
• Experience in phase locked loops
• Proficiency in FPGA with Xilinx ZynQ
• Proficiency in Altium Designer
• Familiarity with phase noise metrology is advantageous
• Ability to code with, or learn to code with: MATLAB, Lab View, and Python is required

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