This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program invites applicants in support of research in integrated photonics and nanofabrication. 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: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Integrated Photonics
The work will entail:
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in integrated photonics and nanofabrication to join the Fundamental Thermodynamics Group through the PREP program. You will contribute to the development of next-generation photonic integrated circuit (PIC)-based temperature sensors: a chip-scale device designed to transform precision thermometry. The role provides the opportunity to gain advanced experimental skills and research experience valuable for careers in academia, industry, or national laboratories.
Project details:
Temperature is one of the most widely measured physical properties and is essential across nearly all scientific and technological fields. To meet the growing need for precise, accurate, and field-deployable temperature metrology, our team is developing an on-chip photonic thermometer that functions as both a sensor and a deployable primary temperature standard. This self-calibrated device offers a transformative alternative to legacy resistance thermometers and has the potential to redefine how temperature is realized and disseminated worldwide.
Key responsibilities:
- Design, nanofabrication, characterization, and packaging of PIC-devices
- Development and refinement of PIC-based sensing applications
- Implementation and optimization of experimental setups for photonic and thermometric measurements
- Data analysis, modeling, and interpretation to evaluate device performance and guide design improvements
Opportunities for candidate:
- Work on cutting-edge nanophotonics research with real-world metrology impact
- Shape new research directions and contribute to emerging programs
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers
- Submit invention disclosures and patent applications
- Publish in leading scientific journals and present at technical conferences
- Access the state-of-the-art NIST NanoFab cleanroom facility (www.nist.gov/cnst)
Desired qualifications:
- U.S. citizenship is strongly preferred
- Ph.D. or equivalent experience in natural sciences, engineering, or related fields
- Innovative thinking and strong experimental skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Effective written and oral communication skills
- Prior hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Micro-/nanofabrication
- Integrated photonics design and characterization
- Applicants with strengths in PIC design, numerical simulations, or device-level metrology are encouraged to apply.
Please upload the following (preferably in a single PDF) with your application:
- CV/Resume
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