Postdoctoral Fellow; PREP

PREP Research Associate

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. The role involves collaborating with researchers at academic institutions on scientific research projects of mutual interest. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

Optical Properties of Materials

• Develop and improve high‑accuracy measurement methods for determining optical properties of materials, including reflectance, transmittance, and bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) across UV, visible, and short‑wave infrared spectral regions.
• Reduce measurement uncertainties and advance the reliability and traceability of optical property data.
• Design, build, and refine experimental systems and instrumentation for optical metrology.
• Apply optical property measurements to real‑world challenges, including energy materials, remote sensing, advanced manufacturing, and optical coatings.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets, including uncertainty analysis and model development.
• Publish research findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences.
• Develop and sustain an independent, forward‑looking research program that expands the impact of optical material measurements across industry, government, and academia.

• Ph.D. in Physics, Optics, Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Hands‑on experience in design and construction of optical instruments.
• Demonstrated experience with laser technologies.
• Familiarity or direct experience with optical modeling.
• Programming proficiency with Python, MATLAB, or Lab View for instrument control and data analysis.
• Evidence of independent research experience and a strong enthusiasm for learning new theoretical, computational, and experimental techniques.
• U.S. citizenship strongly preferred.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.