Senior Research Scientist – Quantum Metrology & Kibble Balance

Overview

NIST is seeking a distinguished Research Scientist to lead the development and operation of primary standards within the Fundamental Electrical Measurements Group
. This role is central to the realization of the International System of Units (SI) through the application of fundamental constants. The successful candidate will oversee the NIST-4 Kibble balance and the development of the Quantum Electro-Mechanical Metrology Suite (QEMMS), ensuring the highest level of precision in mass and electrical dissemination. Appointment to be made through a local University or the University of Maryland, College Park.

• Kibble Balance Leadership: Lead the design, construction, and performance optimization of the next-generation Kibble balance for the QEMMS, facilitating primary mass realizations from the milligram to the kilogram scale.
• Determination of Fundamental Constants: Direct experimental efforts for the high-precision determination of the Planck constant to maintain the stability of the US national standard for mass.
• Electro-Mechanical Innovation: Design and prototype advanced electrostatic balance mechanisms for the direct, SI-traceable calibration of multi-kilowatt continuous-wave laser power.
• Quantum Electrical Standards: Characterize and implement programmable capacitor standards and advanced inductance calibration systems to link mechanical and electrical quantities.
• System Integration: Oversee the integration of cryogenic systems, quantum voltage standards, and laser interferometry within the Kibble balance apparatus.

• Citizenship: US Citizenship is required for this position.
• Education: A Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
  , Physics, or a closely related field with a primary focus on precision metrology.

• Electronics Engineering: Expert-level proficiency in the design and fabrication of low-noise analog and digital circuits for LF and RF applications, including board-level layout using Altium, OrCAD, or Eagle
  .
• Control Systems: Advanced implementation of digital control systems using Matlab, Simulink, and LabVIEW (including Real-time and FPGA).
• Optical Systems: Significant experience in laser frequency and power stabilization, as well as the implementation of visible and near-infrared lasers in interferometric systems.
• Mechanical Design: High-level competence in precision mechanical design and fabrication using CAD (Solidworks, Autodesk Inventor) and precision machining tools (CNC and manual).
• Programming: Proficiency in scientific programming using Python, Perl, C, and Matlab
  .