NIST PREP Research Associate in High-Power Laser Metrology Research and Calibration Services Support

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: High-power laser metrology research and calibration services support.

The work will entail:  Individual will work with scientists in the High-Power Laser Applications project in the NIST Boulder Sources and Detectors Group. The work will be on metrology supporting radiation pressure-based radiometry and high-power laser characterization. Individual may also provide laboratory support for calibration services for laser power and energy meters. The individual will perform a diverse set of duties including general laboratory work, laser optical measurements, and technical support for the development of high-power laser measurements. This position is a one-year term position.

U.S. Citizen Preferred

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Support laboratory experiments through purchasing, basic assembly, aligning optics, general physics laboratory activities.
• Write LabView and Python code for data acquisition and analysis.
• Safe alignment and operation of laser optical systems, including high-power lasers.
• Operate experiment and analyze data.
• Explore interactions of high-power lasers with atomic vapor.
• Document results and procedures in written manuals, operating procedures, and technical reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, applied physics, mechanical engineering, optical engineering, or a related field received within the last three years.
• 0 -3 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to handle a diverse set of duties and learn new skills.
• Ability to use hand tools for simple construction projects.
• Ability to work in laboratory environment.
• Python or LabView programming knowledge.
• Basic knowledge of CAD software (Solidworks or Autodesk Inventor).
• Dedication to safe operation of laboratory equipment.
• Preferred: Basic knowledge of alignment of laser optics.
• Preferred: 3D printing and soldering experience.
• Preferred: Familiarity with machine shop operation (drill press, band saw, etc)

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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