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Senior Research Associate
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Position Number: 6041689
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Physics

Senior Research Associate

Requisition Number: 62364
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 04-Mar-2025
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Quantum Sensors Division at the University of Colorado (CU) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks a Senior Research Associate to lead (a) the design and test of superconducting micro- and nano-electronics, and (b) the integration of these electronics into gamma-ray and x-ray spectrometers. These electronics will consist primarily of specialized sensors for electromagnetic radiation and particles at energies of 20 keV and above, but may cover other energy ranges. The sensors will make use of superconducting materials, low temperatures, and quantum mechanical effects. Key goals are to realize faster, more sensitive and larger format sensor arrays. Successful applicants may serve as Principal Investigators on projects that integrate sensors and readout circuitry into spectrometers that will be deployed to scientific and lab facilities; lead efforts to seek new applications for these sensors; and both lead and participate in efforts to obtain new funding opportunities. The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The position is within the Quantum Sensors Division [https://www.nist.gov/pml/quantum-sensors], a joint collaboration between NIST and CU. The Quantum Sensors Division advances the detection of photons and particles in a variety of application areas using superconducting sensors and readout electronics.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Senior Research Associates are expected to lead both independent research and/or research teams. They plan and carry out difficult and complex assignments in a scientific, engineering, mathematics or information technology discipline and develop new methods, approaches, and procedures usually in cooperation with coworkers related to this position.
Take a leadership role in the design and testing of cryogenic microcalorimeter sensors including superconducting Transition Edge Sensors (TES).
Take a leadership role in developing microcalorimeter spectrometer systems built from cryogenic sensor arrays and their corresponding readout systems, and implement them in measurement applications in the basic and applied sciences.
Application areas presently of interest include nuclear materials analysis, gamma-ray astrophysics, x-ray fundamental parameters metrology, spectroscopy of exotic atoms, studying the terrestrial and cosmic background for quantum information and exploring fundamental symmetries in nuclear physics.
Interact with collaborators on the operation and application of cryogenic sensor instruments.
Develop new applications for cryogenic microcalorimeter sensors as well as pursue both internal and external funding, including leading proposals and serving as PI on successful proposals.
Regularly communicate work status to group members and disseminate results through internal and external publications and presentations. Interact with internal and external collaborators.
Disseminate results through publications and presentations.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $140,000 annually.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

PhD degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Material Science, or related field.
10+ years of research experience, including 8+ years working with cryogenic systems and low-temperature detectors including microcalorimeters.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Resume or CV
Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.

If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.
During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference. We will request a letter of recommendation and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.
Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until March 4th, 2025.
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.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Senior-Research-Associate/62364