Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate
 University of Colorado | |
$74000.00-$135000.00
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paid time off, tuition assistance
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 United States, Colorado, Boulder | |
 Sep 16, 2026 | |
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Requisition Number: 74699 Location: Boulder, Colorado City Boulder State Colorado Employment Type: Research Faculty Schedule: Full-Time Posting Close Date: 29-Sep-2026 Date Posted: 15-Sep-2026 Close All
Job Summary NIST is actively engaged in applied research that will improve performance and scalability of quantum information devices, thereby bridging the gap between fundamental research and commercialization. To achieve such transformative improvements, NIST is leveraging expertise in device fabrication, material characterization, and measurements to identify and mitigate sources of decoherence in qubits. This position will focus on materials characterization, but it will require close collaboration with fabrication and measurement teams. Multiple qubit architectures, including semiconducting quantum dots and superconducting transmons, are under study at NIST. These qubit devices will be characterized by use of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). X-ray diffraction, scanning probe microscopy, and atom probe tomography may also be used. It is critical that conclusions be drawn from a statistically significant number of device measurements, so optimized, high-throughput workflows will be necessary. The microscopist in this position will work closely with the device team to quantitatively explore the materials-design space and identify high-performance regimes. Results will be communicated to stakeholders, as well as presented and/or published as appropriate. This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). 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. CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Who We Are PREP is a special partnership between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado Boulder. PREP provides research opportunities to CU undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in NIST labs to gain research experience alongside NIST scientists. The particular group that needs a researcher is the Quantitative Nanostructure Characterization Group at NIST. What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
What You Should Know This position requires the successful completion of an NAIS agreement and federal security clearance, as mandated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Employment is contingent upon approval of these requirements, as determined by NIST. Anticipated start date is December 27, 2026. Anticipated end date is December 27, 2027. 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 of 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. What We Can Offer
Benefits At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program. Be Statements Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder. What We Require
What We Would Like You to Have
Special Instructions To apply, please submit the following materials:
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.
During the application process, you will need to enter contact information for a reference. We will request the letter of recommendation immediately following your application.
For full consideration, please apply by
September 29, 2026.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs. In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
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