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:
Research Engineer or Physicist in electrically detected NV center devices
The work will entail:
NIST is seeking qualified postdoctoral or research associate candidates to join its Solid-State Quantum Sensors Program in the Nanoscale Spectroscopy Group. Our team is working toward developing sensitive, deployable, SI-traceable magnetometers using electrical readout of NV centers in diamond. The research engineer will conduct photoelectric device measurements, design, and develop device characterization to understand the direct electrical measurement and control of defect states within diamond using optical and microwave stimulation. The successful candidate will study the physics, engineering, and control of devices with integrated color centers using a combination of tools, including electrically detected microwave resonance, optical photoelectric spectroscopy, and device and physics modelling. The candidate will interact with a broader team with expertise in spectroscopy, computation, RF engineering, and materials chemistry. Outputs of the project include disseminating research results through open literature publication, technical talks at conferences, and patents of relevant technology.
Candidates must be eligible to obtain a Department of Commerce background check for facility access.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Fabricating and testing optoelectronic devices
- Electronic device design
- Device modeling
- Physical characterization
- Presenting results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders.
- Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field
- Experience in precise electrical measurement and analysis
- Knowledge of semiconductor device physics
- Experience in electrical device fabrication or design
- Programming skills: Python, device TCAD, etc.
- Experience with wide-band gap semiconductors, magnetic-field sensor development, or familiarity with laser systems are a plus
- Team-oriented and goal-driven, with strong communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to write and present research clearly and effectively
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.