Postdoctoral Fellow; PREP

PREP Research Associate – CHIPS Funded Project

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. The role involves collaborating with academic institutions on the CHIPS-funded project, applying advanced optical metrology to semiconductor processes. Candidates will be responsible for real‑time mid‑IR spectroscopy of atomic layer deposition processes, quantifying precursor partial pressures and reaction byproducts with microsecond resolution.

U.S. Citizen Preferred

• Experimental Leadership
  :
  Drive the development and alignment of high‑accuracy electro‑optic frequency comb spectrometers.
• Advanced Optical Metrology
  :
  Execute time‑resolved molecular spectroscopy experiments and analyze complex datasets by fitting spectra to molecular databases such as HITRAN.
• Computational Analysis
  :
  Build and maintain Python‑based tools for signal processing, noise reduction, automated data acquisition, and data analysis.
• Scientific Communication
  :
  Lead authoring high‑impact manuscripts and represent NIST’s research at international conferences.

• Education
  :
  Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• Technical Expertise
  :
  Proven experience with optical measurements; direct experience with frequency combs or molecular spectroscopy highly desirable.
• Programming
  :
  Strong programming skills for data analysis and instrument interfacing.
• Soft Skills
  :
  Collaborative mindset suited for a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary lab environment and excellent technical writing ability.

Equal Opportunity Employer