Professional Research Assistant

Professional Research Assistant

Requisition Number: 70205

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Employment Type: Research Faculty

Schedule: Full Time

Posting Close Date: 11-Mar-2026

The primary objective of this project is two-fold: first, to innovate low-phase and amplitude noise frequency synthesis techniques spanning from radio frequencies to the optical regime; and second, to develop advanced analog and digital measurement systems for precise phase and time characterization. This capability is vital to the NIST mission, enabling the creation of sophisticated instrumentation with significantly lower noise floors and higher throughput-essential requirements for characterizing next-generation atomic clocks and ultra-low-noise oscillators.

To achieve these rigorous performance standards, the work requires a synergistic approach that bridges the analog and digital domains. The research will focus on integrating high-performance analog front-ends—critical for signal purity—with modern FPGA-based digital signal processing. By leveraging the low-noise characteristics of precision analog design alongside the flexibility of digital analysis, this project aims to create robust measurement architectures that outperform traditional single-domain solutions.

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 Time and Frequency – HQ Group at NIST.

• Design and construct low phase frequency synthesizers and oscillators.
• Amplitude and phase noise metrology.
• PCB layout and design of measurement system circuits.
• Develop FPGA based measurement system firmware.
• Present 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• Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization.

• The salary range for this full-time position is $54,000 – $90,000 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 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.

Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline.

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until March 11, 2026.

Note:

Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs. In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age‑identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.