NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Precision Noise Measurement of Semiconductor Amplifier and Transistor

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration’s scientific research.

Research Title: Precision Noise Measurement of Semiconductor Amplifier and Transistor

The work will entail:  This position seeks a Research Associate with a strong interest in radio frequency (RF) noise measurements and instrument development. The successful candidate will identify high-priority metrology R&D topics within sensing and noise metrology, conducting systematic research of considerable scope and complexity. Key technical areas include low-noise components and systems, precision noise measurements, microwave uncertainty analysis, and on-wafer and time-domain measurements. As a subject matter expert, the candidate will provide technical guidance to stakeholders across the microwave metrology and semiconductor industries. Additionally, the role involves proposing and leading research plans, contributing to industry standards organizations, and disseminating findings through high-impact technical conferences and peer-reviewed publications.

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Design and develop RF instrumentation for noise measurements on amplifiers and transistors.
• Develop data acquisition and instrument control software for automating microwave noise measurements.
• Conduct uncertainty analysis of microwave scattering-parameter, microwave power and microwave noise measurements.
• Develop analysis tools for time-domain noise signal data.
• Document research progress and write reports and papers suitable for scientific journals and conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field
• 3 years of relevant experience including graduate research
• Experience with RF instrumentation, including signals generation, mixing, and detection
• Experience with microwave scattering-parameter, microwave power, microwave system characterization
• Signals processing, including Fourier transforms and modulated waveforms
• Data analysis with Matlab, Python, LabView, Visual Studio, or similar programming language
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Privacy Act Statement
Authority:  15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose:  The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the  Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor’s degree holders, graduate students, master’s degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate the administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses:  NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices:  NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure:  Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated. By applying to a CHIPS-funded PREP opportunity, you also acknowledge that participation in the project requires signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to beginning any work.

SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.

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