Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0003519)
- Johns Hopkins University
- Gaithersburg, Maryland
- Full Time
PREP Research Associate Sensor Science Division Pressure Metrology Project 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: Fixed-Length Optical Cavity (FLOC) for pressure metrology The work will entail: Our multidisciplinary team is developing Fixed-Length Optical Cavity (FLOC) pressure standards to cover a broad range from vacuum ( 1000 kPa). We are exploring optical cavities machined from a variety of materials including metals, single crystals, and glasses to cover this broad pressure range. We seek a postdoc to help investigate the performance of new optical pressure standards based on (1) low-expansion Invar metal for an ongoing Air Force funded project and (2) ultra-low expansion (ULE) glass for low pressure (vacuum) metrology. A qualified candidate would have a PhD in chemistry, physics, engineering or related fields and have expertise in one or more of the following areas: pressure metrology, optical physics, laser spectroscopy, optical cavities, digital acquisition and instrument control (Labview, Python, etc.). Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to: + Improve stability of stable optical cavities by implementing vibrational and temperature control + Labview coding for data acquisition and instrument control + Analyze data to determine metrics for stability (Allan variance, statistical analysis) Present results at internal group meetings and external meetings and conferences Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization. PhD in chemistry, physics, engineering or related fields 3 years of relevant experience Demonstrated experience working with lasers and optical cavities Ability to write code to control, operate, and automate data acquisition Familiarity scripting languages for instrument control and data analysis Familiarity with programming languages like Labview, Python, and/or Matlab Strong oral and written communication skills. Salary: $82,000-$85,000 a year Please upload the following with your application: - CV/Resume *Please limit C.V to 3 pages only and ONLY include a valid email address for your contact info. Please DO NOT include telephone numbers, home address or photos on your resume. 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 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. 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. Job Type: Full TimeThe listed salary range represents the minimum and maximum Johns Hopkins University offers for this position, based on a good faith estimate at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary depending on factors such as location, skills, experience, market conditions, education, and internal equity. Not all candidates will qualify for the highest salary in the range. Johns Hopkins provides a comprehensive benefits package supporting health, career, and retirement. Learn more: Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. EEO is the Law
Job ID: 481522378
Originally Posted on: 6/16/2025