Researcher in Optical Properties of Materials

Overview

The Sensor Science Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking a
researcher to advance the understanding and measurement of optical properties of materials. This role
emphasizes developing innovative, high-accuracy methods to characterize how materials interact with
light—through reflectance, transmittance, and bidirectional reflectance distribution function
(BRDF)—across the ultraviolet, visible, and short-wave infrared spectral regions. The researcher will
work to reduce measurement uncertainties while exploring new approaches that enable more precise
and reliable material characterization. In collaboration with experts at NIST, this work will address real-
world challenges such as improving the efficiency of solar energy materials, enabling more accurate
remote sensing for climate monitoring, enhancing optical coatings for advanced imaging and defense
systems, supporting semiconductor and advanced manufacturing processes, and improving material
identification in fields ranging from biomedical diagnostics to cultural heritage preservation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Optics, Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience in design and construction of optical instruments.
• Demonstrated experience with laser technologies.
• Familiarity or direct experience with optical modeling.
• Programming proficiency with Python, MATLAB, or LabView for instrument control and data analysis.
• Evidence of independent research experience and a strong enthusiasm for learning new theoretical, computational, and experimental techniques.

Research Proposal

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Develop and improve high-accuracy measurement methods for determining optical properties of materials, including reflectance, transmittance, and bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) across UV, visible, and short-wave infrared spectral regions.
• Reduce measurement uncertainties and advance the reliability and traceability of optical property data.
• Design, build, and refine experimental systems and instrumentation for optical metrology.
• Apply optical property measurements to real-world challenges, including energy materials, remote sensing, advanced manufacturing, and optical coatings.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets, including uncertainty analysis and model development.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences.
• Develop and sustain an independent, forward-looking research program that expands the impact of optical material measurements across industry, government, and academia.