Post Bachelor
The NIST Fluid Metrology Group seeks a motivated Batchelor-level or graduate-level researcher
to support the design, development, and calibration of advanced experimental flow
measurement systems. This position offers hands-on experience with high-precision flow
meters, anemometers, and sensor instrumentation, including experimental setup, automation,
and data acquisition. The successful candidate will assist in developing and implementing
calibration protocols, as well as in designing, building, and carrying out flow-related
experiments, ensuring traceability to national standards.
The researcher will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to
design, operate, and maintain experimental flow facilities. Responsibilities include integrating
instrumentation, automating measurement systems, conducting computational fluid dynamics
(CFD) simulations, fabricating custom components, maintaining quality assurance and
documentation, and contributing to the development of experimental software for acquiring
data and for controlling pumps, valves, and sensors.
This position is ideal for candidates with strong analytical and technical skills, experience in data
acquisition and coding, and an interest in precision measurement and experimental fluid
mechanics. A Bachelor’s degree is required, and a Master’s degree is preferred. The researcher
will gain professional laboratory experience and opportunities to contribute to publications,
presentations, and the broader metrology and fluid mechanics community. U.S. citizenship is
preferred for this position.
Associate Scientist - Experimental Flow Measurement and Instrumentation with Automated Data Acquisition
- Bachelor’s degree required in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related
field; Master’s degree preferred. - Experience or coursework in experimental fluid mechanics, flow measurement, or sensor
instrumentation. - Proficiency with data acquisition and experimental software (e.g., LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB).
- Familiarity with CAD software and basic fabrication for experimental setups.
- Knowledge of CFD simulations is a plus.
- Understanding of measurement uncertainty, calibration, and traceability to standards is a plus.
- Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.
- U.S. citizenship is preferred for this position.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Design and Build Experimental Flow Systems – Collaborate with scientists and engineers to create,
upgrade, and automate flow measurement setups. - Calibrate Flow Instruments – Use national standards (e.g., NIST) to calibrate flow meters and
anemometers, ensuring high precision and traceability. - Develop and Execute Protocols – Plan and implement experiments, including setup, data acquisition,
analysis, and uncertainty evaluation. - Instrumentation Integration – Configure, calibrate, and troubleshoot sensors and flow devices
(pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, humidity sensors, anemometers, flow meters). - Automate Data Acquisition – Maintain existing LabVIEW software for controlling experiments and
collecting data, and develop new Python programs for future automation, measurement, and data
analysis tasks. - Fabricate Experimental Components – Design and produce custom parts in CAD for machining, 3D
printing, or other fabrication methods. - Run Computational Simulations – Use CFD or other computational tools to support experimental
design and optimize flow systems. - Apply Fluid Mechanics Principles – Support experimental design, planning, and troubleshooting of
flow measurement systems using engineering fundamentals; analyze experimental data and assist in
optimizing system performance. - Present and Communicate Results – Prepare reports, papers, and presentations to share findings and
contribute to measurement programs.