Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate

Job Summary

The successful applicant will design, fabricate, and test superconducting quantum circuits to identify sources of dissipation and decoherence. The applicant will develop testing tools and procedures that allow quantitative intercomparison of the properties of different materials and designs. Relevant superconducting circuits include thin‑film resonators, parametric amplifiers, tunnel junctions, transition‑edge sensors, and qubits. Key goals are to advance the maturity of superconducting circuits for quantum information science.

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 applicants from all backgrounds, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PREP is a special partnership between the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the University of Colorado Boulder. It provides research opportunities to CU undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in NIST labs to gain research experience alongside NIST scientists. The particular group that needs a researcher is the Quantum Electronics Group at NIST.

• Develop measurement tools and techniques to characterize and understand materials and devices for quantum information science using superconducting circuits.
• Develop microfabrication tools and techniques to realize superconducting circuits.
• Interact with stakeholders in industry, academia, and government institutes to understand the needs of the QIS community, strategically disseminate tools and techniques, and seek external funding from sponsors with synergistic and mutually beneficial goals.

This position requires the successful completion of an NAIS agreement and federal security clearance, as mandated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Employment is contingent upon approval of these requirements, as determined by NIST.

• 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.

• Postdoctoral Associate: A Ph.D. in a relevant area of study such as Physics, Astrophysics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with 0–4 years of post‑doctoral degree experience.
• Research Associate: A Ph.D. in a relevant area of study such as Physics, Astrophysics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of post‑doctoral degree experience.

• Experience in scientific communication, assembly of scientific reports, and presentation of scientific and research topics.
• Familiarity with Dev Ops and CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience with Python or an equivalent scientific programming language.
• Experience with cleanroom and microfabrication techniques, especially for superconducting circuits.
• Experience with millikelvin refrigeration techniques and circuit testing at millikelvin temperatures.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until July 20, 2026.

Posting Contact Name: Lisa Valencia

Posting Contact Email: recruitprep