Postdoctoral researcher
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.
Researcher in Optical Properties of Materials
- 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. - U.S. Citizen strongly preferred.
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.