NIST PREP Research Associate in Hardware-Software Integration for Quantum Waveform Metrology

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, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

Research Title: Hardware-software integration for quantum waveform metrology

The work will entail:
The Research Associate will work with NIST staff on the development of specialized software, hardware, and techniques for advancing the state-of-the-art in quantum waveform metrology. The Associate will be mentored by experts in the field of quantum-referenced electrical measurements and can expect to acquire advanced technical skills in precision measurements, signal processing, cryogenics, and RF engineering.

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Develop object-oriented software for instrument control and for acquisition, processing, visualization, and storage of interrelated measurement data.
• Assist with the setup and execution of research experiments in quantum waveform metrology.
• Assist with analog and digital circuit design, layout, and fabrication of hardware for use with superconducting and conventional electronics.
• Use 3D computer aided design tools for the design of custom instrumentation hardware.
• Participate in the dissemination of research efforts through written publications and presentations.
• Actively increase knowledge and awareness of relevant work in the literature.
• Understand and help ensure compliance with all NIST environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering, physics, or another closely related field from an accredited university or college.
• Experience working in a technical/research environment (including internships and co-ops).
• Proficiency using (or willingness to learn) MATLAB for hardware control, data acquisition, visualization, and analysis.
• Experience using test and measurement hardware, such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, lock-in amplifiers, arbitrary waveform generators.
• Enthusiasm for solving challenging technical problems.
• Excellent 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 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.

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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