Assistant Research Scientist; PREP

PREP Research Associate

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, and requires that such institutions be the recipient of a PREP award. The program brings staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas.

Research Scientist – Experimental Flow Measurement and Instrumentation with Automated Data Acquisition

• Design and build experimental flow systems, collaborating with scientists and engineers to create, upgrade, and automate flow measurement setups.
• Calibrate flow instruments using national standards (e.g., NIST) to ensure high precision and traceability.
• Develop and execute protocols: plan and implement experiments, including setup, data acquisition, analysis, and uncertainty evaluation.
• Integrate instrumentation: configure, calibrate, and troubleshoot sensors and flow devices such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, humidity sensors, anemometers, and flow meters.
• Automate data acquisition: maintain existing LabVIEW software for controlling experiments and collecting data, and develop new Python programs for future automation, measurement, and data analysis tasks.
• Fabricate experimental components: design and produce custom parts in CAD for machining, 3D printing, or other fabrication methods.
• Run computational simulations: use CFD or other computational tools to support experimental design and optimize flow systems.
• Apply fluid mechanics principles: support experimental design, planning, and troubleshooting of flow measurement systems; analyze experimental data and assist in optimizing system performance.
• Present and communicate results: prepare reports, papers, and presentations to share findings and contribute to measurement programs.

• Bachelor’s degree required in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience or coursework in experimental fluid mechanics, flow measurement, or sensor instrumentation.
• Proficiency with data acquisition and experimental software such as LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB.
• Familiarity with CAD software and basic fabrication for experimental setups.
• Knowledge of CFD simulations is a plus.
• Understanding of measurement uncertainty, calibration, and traceability to standards is a plus.
• Strong problem‑solving, teamwork, and communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship is preferred.

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