NIST PREP Research Associate in High-Power Laser Metrology Research and Calibration Services Support
SURA is a nonprofit consortium of 57 member universities that advances collaborative scientific research and education, operates research programs and staffing initiatives, and participates in operating Jefferson Lab through the SURATech joint venture.
About Southeastern Universities Research Association
Established in 1980 to pursue construction and operation of the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility, SURA now supports large-scale scientific collaboration, talent development, space-science programs, NIST research opportunities, and the operation of Jefferson Lab through SURATech with Virginia Tech.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will support high-power laser metrology experiments and calibration services through laboratory work, optical measurements, assembly, and data analysis. You will write LabView and Python code, safely operate laser systems, investigate laser interactions with atomic vapor, and document procedures and results.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field received within the last three years
- Zero to three years of relevant experience
- Ability to use hand tools for simple construction projects
- Laboratory experience
- Python or LabView programming knowledge
- Basic knowledge of CAD software such as SolidWorks or Autodesk Inventor
- Dedication to safe operation of laboratory equipment
Responsibilities
- Support laboratory experiments through purchasing, assembly, optical alignment, and laboratory activities
- Write LabView and Python code for data acquisition and analysis
- Safely align and operate laser optical systems
- Operate experiments and analyze data
- Explore interactions between high-power lasers and atomic vapor
- Document results and procedures in manuals, operating procedures, and technical reports