Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004135)
Postdoctoral Research Associate (PREP)
Scanning SQUID Metrology for Superconducting Electronics
This Postdoctoral Research Associate position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP), which supports collaborative research between NIST scientists and researchers at PREP-affiliated academic institutions. The position is ideal for early-career researchers seeking to build an independent research profile while working at the forefront of superconducting electronics and quantum-enabled metrology.
Research Opportunity
Advancing Scanning SQUID Metrology for High-Speed Superconducting Circuits
The postdoctoral associate will conduct original research focused on developing advanced scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry to study superconducting electronic systems. Core research directions include improving SQUID sensor performance, imaging and understanding flux trapping, and evaluating mitigation strategies in high-speed superconducting circuits.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead and shape research directions, contribute to the design and construction of next-generation scanning SQUID instrumentation, and apply these tools to cutting-edge superconducting devices. Our group has deep expertise in microwave metrology, nanoscale device characterization, and superconducting circuit design, fabrication, and measurement.
Key Responsibilities and Opportunities
The postdoctoral associate will have the opportunity to:
Lead scanning SQUID imaging studies of trapped flux, superconducting circuits, and novel devices
Develop and optimize SQUID sensors and measurement techniques
Design and perform high-speed electronic measurements (>10 GHz)
Design and fabricate novel superconducting circuits and/or sensors using NIST’s advanced cleanroom facilities
Develop rigorous data analysis pipelines with appropriate statistical validation
Publish results in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and present findings at major scientific conferences
Collaborate closely with NIST scientists while maintaining scientific independence and ownership of research outcomes
Contribute to documentation, software, and data archiving to support long-term impact of the work
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Development of an independent research program
- A strong publication record
- Visibility within the superconducting electronics and quantum metrology communities
- Preparation for academic, national laboratory, or industry research careers
Qualifications:
- PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field (completed or near completion)
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Evidence of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications
- Demonstration of hands-on experimental research experience with publication(s), e.g. description of experiments constructed, devices fabricated, etc.
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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.
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