Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004097)

Postdoctoral Fellow

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (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.

Research Title: Senior Research Scientist – Temperature Metrology

The NIST Temperature and Humidity Group seeks a Senior Research Scientist with a doctorate in the physical sciences to lead advanced research and development in temperature metrology. This position is based in the NIST Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometer Calibration Laboratory (SPRTCL), the United States' primary facility for the realization of the kelvin under the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90), achieving the lowest temperature measurement uncertainties nationally.

The successful candidate will bring extensive professional experience in temperature metrology, including deep expertise in the development and analysis of temperature uncertainty budgets. Working with a high degree of scientific independence, the Senior Research Scientist will conduct original research aimed at advancing temperature realization, with a particular emphasis on the development of novel non-metal fixed points to support future temperature scales. The role also includes improving the measurement capabilities, performance, and scientific output of the SPRTCL.

This position requires scientific leadership in defining research directions, serving as primary author on peer-reviewed publications, and representing NIST research through invited presentations, tutorials, and workshops in temperature metrology. The Senior Research Scientist is expected to contribute to the broader metrology community through technical leadership, knowledge dissemination, and engagement in national and international collaborations.

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Conduct and lead independent research in temperature metrology supporting the realization of the kelvin.
• Develop and maintain temperature uncertainty budgets for primary standards and calibrations.
• Design and implement novel non-metal fixed points to advance future temperature scales.
• Improve measurement capability and uncertainty performance of the SPRT Calibration Laboratory.
• Author and publish peer-reviewed scientific papers and technical reports.
• Lead technical tutorials, workshops, and invited presentations in temperature metrology.
• Provide scientific leadership and represent NIST in national and international collaborations.
• Mentor and guide technical staff, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scientists as needed.

U.S. citizenship may be required for this position.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in physics, physical sciences, or a closely related field.
• Extensive professional experience in temperature metrology at a senior level.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and evaluating temperature uncertainty budgets.
• In-depth knowledge of primary temperature realization using SPRTs and the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90).
• Proven ability to conduct independent research and serve as primary author of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Demonstrated ability to provide scientific leadership in a research laboratory environment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for technical documentation and presentations.