NIST PREP Research Associate in Optical and Photonic Detection of Radio-Frequency Signals

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: Optical and Photonic Detection of Radio-Frequency Signals

Project Title: Waveform Metrology

The work will entail:  The work will entail the development of advanced radio-frequency (RF) detection systems using stabilized laser-based optical technologies and the digitization of RF signals. The research will focus on improving efficiency of RF detection, sensitivity, measurement speed, and reliability through the integration of optical measurement techniques, high-speed signal acquisition, and digital signal processing.

U.S. Citizen Preferred

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Design analog RF measurement and digitization systems.
• Develop traceable, high-accuracy RF measurement methods.
• Integrate photonic and optical technologies with RF systems.
• Characterize RF propagation and interaction with media.
• Develop automated experimental tools for RF measurement and analysis.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, Photonics, or a related field.
• Experience in radio-frequency measurement, instrumentation, or signal analysis.
• Experience developing experimental RF or optical measurement systems.
• Ability to develop prototypes and automated tools for measurement, digitization, and data analysis.
• Preferred: Familiarity with photonics, laser-based measurement, and electro-optic techniques.
• Preferred: Familiarity with RF calibration, measurement traceability, and uncertainty analysis.
• 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 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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