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Job Opportunity: Postdoctoral Researcher

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

NIST has recently launched a new 5-year project to develop a compact far-infrared metrology 

platform that could significantly impact climate research and astrophysics. We are seeking a 

postdoctoral researcher who can contribute to this project through the design and development of 

novel infrared measurement technologies. The candidate chosen for this position will be hired 

through the 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 enables graduate students and postdocs 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:

Far-Infrared Laser Spectroscopy and Spectro-radiometry

The work will entail:

The Far-InfraRed Virtually Imaged Radiometry [FIRVIR] for Climate Metrology project will 

design, build, and characterize dispersive spectrometers and detector arrays to establish an SItraceable basis for far-infrared spectro-radiometry. Work will include the design of critical 

spectrometer elements, spectrometer assembly, and the application of far-infrared lasers and 

optical frequency combs to the precision analysis of spectrometer dispersion and resolving power. 

Success will require the acquisition and/or application of spectral reference data in order to perform 

wavelength calibration of spectrometers from 15 μm to 100 μm. Further work will include 

operating cryogenic systems, performing spectro-radiometer calibrations, and working with 

infrared blackbody sources and infrared detector arrays to establish traceability.

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

 Design, assembly and/or operation of far-infrared lasers and laser frequency combs.

 Optical design and characterization of dispersive spectrometers.

 Assist with mechanical design of vacuum spectro-radiometer components.

 Measurements of spectrometer throughput using various light sources and detector arrays.

 Analyze data on spectrometer and spectro-radiometer performance.

 Acquire and/or interpret data from molecular spectroscopy.

 Present results at internal meetings and external scientific conferences.

Qualifications

 PhD in Physics, Optics, or a related field.

 <5 years of relevant post-PhD experience.

 Demonstrated experience working with and/or developing optical frequency comb lasers.

 Demonstrated experience performing high-resolution molecular spectroscopy in the infrared.

 Ability to control, operate and automate scientific test equipment and instrumentation.

 Familiarity with design tools like Autodesk Inventor, Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, or similar.

 Familiarity with the programming languages Python, LabVIEW, and Matlab.

 Strong oral and written communication skills.
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Applying for the Position

Qualified candidates should submit a letter of interest describing their research background and a 

CV with complete list of publications to adam.fleisher@nist.gov and solomon.woods@nist.gov. 

Interested candidates can also apply for this “Far-Infrared Laser Spectroscopy and SpectroRadiometry” position at https://prep.umd.edu/ . The work location for this position will be at the 

NIST campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

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 of PREP Program: 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.