Postdoctoral researcher
The NIST Fundamental Thermodynamic Metrology Group is seeking a motivated individual with a background in physics or mechanical engineering to work both in our cold atom vacuum standard (CAVS) lab and our vacuum calibration lab, both of which are responsible for vacuum measurements in the high vacuum regime and below. As a member of our team, you will collaborate closely with experts in instrumentation, metrology, and physics to develop and enhance vacuum measurement techniques and calibration systems. The CAVS is a vacuum gauge that works by measuring the loss rate of laser-cooled atoms from a conservative, magnetic trap due to collisions with gas molecules left behind in the vacuum chamber. Because the collision cross sections can be calculated a priori, the gauge is also a standard. The CAVS requires upgrades to its vacuum system and control software. The vacuum calibration lab is the main facility in the United States for calibrating gauges at high and ultra-high vacuum pressures. In this lab, we are constructing a new, high-accuracy flowmeter standard for calibrations. Given the work required in upgrading both facilities, we seek an individual capable of independent work with vacuum equipment, a desire to learn, and the ability to communicate and disseminate results.
Building the next generation of vacuum standards
- A Ph.D. level degree in physics, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field.
- Experience working with or desire to learn about working with ultra-high vacuum systems.
- Programming experience in Python and LabVIEW.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Contribute to the design, construction, testing, and integration of vacuum equipment, ensuring that upgrades align with NIST’s standards[DB1] and goals.
- Safely install new alkali metal dispensers inside the CAVS and perform necessary vacuum system upgrades.
- Modify existing control software to ensure fail-safe operation of the CAVS vacuum system.
- Integrate a portable CAVS with the ionization gauge calibration system.
- Assist with construction, integration, and testing of other elements of the CAVS apparatus.
- Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of equipment upgrades, experimental protocols, calibration results, and research findings to ensure transparency and reproducibility.
- Ensure that all results, protocols, software, and documentation are archived properly and shared with the larger NIST community and relevant stakeholders.
- Present research findings, technological developments, and calibration results at internal meetings, external stakeholder meetings, and scientific conferences.