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PREP Graduate Research Assistant Position at NIST in the Scalable Quantum Computing Group (PREP0004459)

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). 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.

The Professional Research Experience Program (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.

Research Location:

At NIST in the Scalable Quantum Computing Group

Summary of the Position:

Conduct research on novel superconductive circuits for applications in quantum information science (QIS), neuromorphic computing and AI, non-linear microwave photonics, and/or energy-efficient advanced computing.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Circuit design and simulation of superconductive circuits.
  • Micro-fabrication of these circuits.
  • Electrical test and characterization of circuits at cryogenic temperatures and frequencies from DC up to 30 GHz.
  • Automation of data acquisition.
  • Develop theory to explain circuit performance. Compare data with theory.
  • Communicate and collaborate internally within the group and between NIST groups, as well as with external industry, academic, and government researchers.
  • Present results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders.
  • Ensure that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization.
  • Understand and follow all laboratory safety requirements.

Required Qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Applicants must be enrolled full-time at the University of Colorado Boulder master’s degree or doctoral degree program in physics, mathematics, engineering, or closely related program.
  • Must currently possess a 3.0 GPA or higher.
  • Must be a degree seeking student through CU Boulder.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • One (1) year of relevant theoretical, computational, or experimental research in a related field of study.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Ability to work safely in a laboratory and microfabrication clean room.
  • Familiarity with multiple scripting languages.
  • Ability to develop prototypes of tools to acquire and analyze data.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.

Currently Funded:

Fall 2026 – Summer 2027

Salary (contract pay format): - Rates may increase beginning Fall 2026

  • Pre-comps: $3,163 per month
  • Post-comps: $3,330 per month

Benefits:

  • Graduate Research Assistant contract pay based on pre-comps/post-comps rate.
  • Tuition, fees, and insurance paid for by PREP during the academic year while in PREP.

If interested, please send your resume/CV to Lisa Valencia at recruitprep@colorado.edu. The finalist will be required to submit their resume/CV and transcript.

This position requires the successful completion of an NAIS agreement and federal security clearance as mandated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Employment is contingent upon approval of these requirements as determined by NIST.

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 of 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.