Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate

Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate

Requisition Number: 70204

Location: Boulder Colorado

Employment Type: Research Faculty

Schedule: Full Time

Posting Close Date: 11-Mar-2026

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.

This Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (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.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PREP is a special partnership between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado Boulder. PREP provides research opportunities to CU undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in NIST labs to gain research experience alongside NIST scientists. The particular group that needs a researcher is the Spin Electronics Group at NIST.

• 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.

• The salary range for the full-time Postdoctoral Associate position is $74,000 – $108,000 annually.
• The salary range for the full-time Research Associate position is $78,000 – $135,000 annually.

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well‑being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world‑class outdoor recreation.

Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage () program.

• Postdoctoral Associate:
  PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field with 0–4 years of post‑doctoral degree experience.
• Research Associate:
  PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field with 5 years of post‑doctoral degree…