Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate

Cryocoolers Team Research Position

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.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PREP is a special partnership between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado Boulder. PREP provides research opportunities to CU undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in NIST labs to gain research experience alongside NIST scientists. The particular group that needs a researcher is the Quantum Sensors - HQ at NIST.

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).

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.

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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.