The Sensor Science Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking for several highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to aid the multi-year development of next-generation integrated photonics-based quantum-SI temperature sensors and primary standards on-a-chip. At NIST, you will gain research experience and measurement skills that are highly valuable for a career in academia, industry, or a national laboratory. Different vehicles for employment and salary levels are available depending on the specific opening and the candidate's experience. Interested candidates should contact Dr. Nikolai N. Klimov at nklimov@nist.gov.
PROJECT DETAILS:
Temperature, being one of the most measured physical properties, is vital for almost all areas of science and technology. To address the need for precise and accurate, and yet field-deployable temperature metrology, we are developing cutting-edge technology that can be a superior alternative to legacy resistance thermometers. In particular, we are building an on-chip-integrated photonic thermometer that simultaneously serves as a sensor and as a deployable primary temperature standard. This self-calibrating photonic device has the potential to revolutionize how temperature is realized and disseminated worldwide. Our research focuses on both the design and nanofabrication of photonic thermometers, as well as on the development of new optical read-out strategies. These strategies will span the range from ultra-high resolution metrology to low-cost, robust measurement solutions for the field.

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:
AI/ML methods for protein sequence-function prediction

The work will entail:
The candidate will develop Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Active Learning algorithms to enable more rapid and predictive engineering of proteins. They will collaborate with other members of the NIST Cellular Engineering Group and outside partners on projects related to the prediction of protein function from sequence.

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 requiring that such institutions receive a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from various backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific study of the collaboration.

There is growing evidence that firefighters are exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) associated with their gear. The source of the PFAS may be from the firefighter gear (FFG) construction materials or manufacturing process, deterioration of the FFG during service, and deposition on the FFG while on duty. To characterize and reduce the firefighter’s risk of being exposed to PFAS, NIST is starting a new study to understand the type, prevalence, and concentration of PFAS on the FFG, the source of PFAS, and the mechanism for PFAS release from the FFG. This study is being conducted in collaboration with staff in MML.

This study has three main thrusts.
• Thrust 1: Characterize PFAS associated with FFG textiles (e.g., jacket, pants, gloves) that are new/unused and after stressing. Stressing is intended to mimic typical wear-and-tear conditions while a Firefighter is on duty (e.g., elevated temperatures, abrasion, and laundering).
• Thrust 2: Characterize PFAS found at firefighter’s typical workplace environments (e.g., fire scene, fire truck, and fire station). Understanding not only what PFAS species are identified but the source of the PFAS is essential to developing strategies to reduce Firefighter’s risk of being exposed to PFAS.
• Thrust 3: Coordinate and collaborate our research with the existing PFAS research community studying PFAS from AF, human health effects from PFAS exposure, etc. This aims to use our data to help develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce/eliminate Firefighter exposure to PFAS.

This position requires delivering for these thrusts but provides flexibility and independence to adjust based on the applicant’s interests and skills.

The PREP researcher will work primarily in a chemistry/material science research laboratory. The researcher will be responsible for executing and reporting sample preparation (stressing, extraction, etc.) and assisting in the analysis (chromatography, etc.) of specimens containing fluorinated chemicals.

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 and thus requires that such institutions be the recipients 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:
Research Intern – Science and Technology

The work will entail:
The CHIPS Research and Development Office (CHIPS R&D) oversees multiple programs that operate in coordination with each other, with the CHIPS Program Office, and with microelectronics R&D programs supported by other U.S. federal agencies. CHIPS R&D programs are informed by industry’s need to accelerate innovation and increase competitiveness in the American semiconductor industry and establish our leadership in the sector for decades to come. The Policy and Integration office is responsible for the effective execution of CHIPS research programs, in coordination with other CHIPS programs and other government programs.

The position is in the Policy and Integration office within CHIPS R&D . The Research Intern will provide research and other support for one or more members of the Policy and Integration office that will inform the development of new policy for the CHIPS programs.