Research Scientist – Precision Mechatronics and Force Metrology

Role Overview

NIST is seeking a highly skilled Research Scientist to join the Fundamental Electrical Measurements Group
. This role is dedicated to the development of high-precision mechanical and electrical systems that bridge the gap between quantum standards and mechanical realizations. The successful candidate will lead the design and implementation of next-generation tabletop Kibble balances and electrostatic force balances to advance the realization of the International System of Units (SI) at the gram and milligram scales. Appointment to be made through a local University or Johns Hopkins University.

• Kibble Balance Development: Lead the research and development of tabletop Kibble balances aimed at SI-traceable mass realization at the gram level.
• Electrostatic Force Systems: Design and characterize flexure-based electrostatic force balances for ultra-precise mass and force metrology.
• Photon Momentum Metrology: Develop miniature devices to measure photon moment transfer force for the calibration of watt-level laser power using integrated fiber Fabry-Perot interferometers.
• Cross-Disciplinary Calibration: Engineer systems for the calibration of radioactive liquid mass to support radioactivity standards (becquerel per gram).
• Precision Standards: Develop flexure-based stiffness standards to calibrate the force applied by nanoindenters.

• Citizenship: US Citizenship is required for this position.
• Education: A PhD in Mechanical Engineering
  , Physics, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Proven track record in precision weighing, interferometry, and mechatronics within a national metrology institute or similar research environment.
• Technical Skills & Expertise
• Mechanical Design: Expert-level proficiency in flexure mechanism design, precision mechanical design, and the use of SOLIDWORKS.
• Optics and Interferometry: Hands-on experience with fiber-based Fabry-Perot interferometry, Michelson interferometry, and surface profilometry.
• Control Systems & Hardware: Advanced skills in Matlab, Python, and LabVIEW for data acquisition and control, including FPGA, Arduino, and myRIO implementation.
• Fabrication: Proficiency in CNC machining
  , PCB design, and the fabrication of high-precision elastic mechanisms.