Job Listings
Professional Research Assistant
Boulder, CO
| Type: | Full-Time |
| Posted: | 05/26/2026 |
| Application Due: | 06/07/2026 |
| Salary: | $54,000 - $78,000 per year |
Requisition Number: 72159
Location: Boulder, Colorado
City: Boulder
State: Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full-Time
Posting Close Date: 07-Jun-2026
Date Posted: 22-May-2026
Job Summary
Researcher will work in a team developing scalable methods and architectures for trapped ion quantum information processing. This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. 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.
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.
Who We Are
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 Ion Storage Group at NIST.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
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.
What We Can Offer
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 Statements
Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.
What We Require
To apply, please submit the following materials:
During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference. We will request the letter of recommendation immediately following your application.
Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until June 7th, 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.
Location: Boulder, Colorado
City: Boulder
State: Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full-Time
Posting Close Date: 07-Jun-2026
Date Posted: 22-May-2026
Job Summary
Researcher will work in a team developing scalable methods and architectures for trapped ion quantum information processing. This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. 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.
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.
Who We Are
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 Ion Storage Group at NIST.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Assist with the design, planning, and construction of experimental apparatus for trapped ion quantum information processing including laser systems, rf/microwave electronics, vacuum chambers, cryogenic systems, and control electronics.
- Assist with maintenance and upgrades of experimental apparatus.
- Assist with experiment planning and operation.
- Assist with experiment data analysis.
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.
- Anticipated start date is August 16, 2026.
- Anticipated end date is August 16, 2027.
What We Can Offer
- The salary range for this full-time position is $54,000 - $78,000 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 Statements
Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Bachelor's degree in physics or electrical engineering.
- Prior experience working on construction of precision experimental physics apparatus.
- Prior experience with data analysis for physics experiments.
- Strong mathematics/physics skills.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Completed undergraduate advanced laboratory course.
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.
During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference. We will request the letter of recommendation immediately following your application.
Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until June 7th, 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.
