Assistant Research Scientist; PREP

Job Overview

The PREP Research Associate position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. It involves collaborating with academic researchers on projects that require a PREP award and focuses on scientific research across many areas.

Advanced Low-Noise Frequency Synthesis and Phase Noise Metrology

The primary objective of this project is two‑fold: first, to innovate low‑phase and amplitude‑noise frequency synthesis techniques spanning from radio frequencies to the optical regime; second, to develop advanced analog and digital measurement systems for precise phase and time characterization. The project seeks to create robust measurement architectures that outperform traditional single domain solutions by integrating high‑performance analog front‑ends with modern FPGA‑based digital signal processing.

• Design and construct low‑phase frequency synthesizers and oscillators
• Conduct amplitude and phase noise metrology
• Layout and design PCBs for measurement system circuits
• Develop FPGA‑based measurement system firmware
• Present results at internal meetings and occasional meetings with external stakeholders
• Archive or otherwise transmit results, protocols, software, and documentation to the organization

• U.S. Citizen (Preferred)
• Bachelor's, Master's or Ph.D. degree in a STEM discipline
• High level skill in RF/microwave signal analysis and system design
• Experience in phase‑locked loops
• Proficiency with FPGA using Xilinx ZynQ
• Proficiency with Altium Designer
• Familiarity with phase noise metrology is advantageous
• Ability to code with, or learn to code with: MATLAB, LabVIEW, and Python

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