PREP Research Associate - SI Meets AI: Neural Network-powered Digital Twin for Advancing Primary Standards

PREP0004370

April 6, 2026

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:

SI meets AI: Neural Network-powered Digital Twin for Advancing Primary Standards

 

The work will entail:

We propose to develop physics- and empirically informed digital twin representations for high-impact SI realizations of mass, voltage, and resistance that are advancing towards commercialization. Leveraging recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), including neural networks and digital twins, we expect to bypass the conventional, iterative prototyping and development cycle. Rather than taking decades to achieve an optimal design, our digital twin representations will enable rapid, offline optimization of their respective real-life embodiments, significantly accelerating time to market.

 

Candidates must be eligible to obtain a Department of Commerce background check for facility access.


Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

  • Exploring AI networks for Regression models of Physical SI measurements
  • Exploring AI networks for image classification of graphene data
  • Create presentation material of the results

 

Qualifications

  • US citizenship is preferred.
  • PhD Candidate in Physics with 2 or more years of relevant experience.
  • Expertise in Pytorch/Python and state of the Art AI models like vision transformers and advanced CNNs.
  • Ability to build deployable complex software solutions for image reconstruction.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills and strong presentation skills. 

 

Apply Here

 

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.