Senior Research Associate

Job Summary

The successful applicant will design and test screening systems for superconducting readout circuits that will enable next‑generation superconducting spectrometer instruments, including the development of screening infrastructure for time‑division SQUID multiplexing (TDM) as part of NIST’s contribution to NASA for the Athena X‑ray satellite project. The screening infrastructure will include cryogenic hardware, readout electronics, and software for automated control and analysis. Key goals are rapid and reliable screening, high throughput analysis of the data product, and timely reporting of the results to stakeholders.

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). 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.

• Continued development and maintenance of the Quantum Sensors Division’s (QSD) cryogenic setups and readout electronics for screening time‑division SQUID multiplexers.
• Development of appropriate metrics and measurement protocols suitable to assess the quality and yield of time‑division SQUID multiplexers.
• Develop reporting to effectively communicate results of screening to other groups and members of the Athena X‑ray satellite project.
• Regularly communicate work status to the group and project members and disseminate results through internal and external publications and presentations.
• Present results at internal meetings and occasional meetings with external stakeholders.

• A PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• Successful completion of a National Agency Identification System (NAIS) agreement and a federal security clearance as mandated by NIST.
• Anticipated start date October 1, 2026; anticipated end date September 30, 2027.

• Ten or more years of relevant experience.
• Familiarity with measurement of superconducting devices.
• Familiarity with cryogenic and room‑temperature readout electronics.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Salary range for this 62.5% time position is $71,000 - $130,000 annually.

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. CU Boulder also offers access to a world‑class academic community and outdoor recreation.

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.