Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004186)

General Description PREP Research Associate – CHIPS Funded Project. This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research. Research Title Research scientist: Optical trapping and sensing of nanoparticles (U.S. Citizens preferred) Research Focus The Materials Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking qualified persons (U.S. Citizens preferred) to work on a NIST CHIPS R&D Metrology project that aims at developing measurement methodologies for the detection and identification of very low concentration of contaminants in liquid environments. The focus area includes optimizing photonic enhancement techniques for improving the optical scattering of single impurity particles. In this regard, surface engineering methods, theoretical modeling and optical microscopy are employed to design robust sensors for detection of sub‑20 nm particles. Key Responsibilities Fabrication of optical cavities in a cleanroom/nanofabrication facility Simulation of optical micro‑ and nano‑cavities for optical traps for nanoparticle sensing Construct/adapt optical microscopes for optical trapping and dark‑field optical microscopy Perform single particle detection and spectroscopy in a microfluidic setup Perform different microscopies including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and optical microscopy (OM) equipped with a cryogenic stage for surface analysis Develop computer code (e.g. Python) for the development and analysis of optical cavities Qualifications Ph.D. degree in Materials, Electrical Engineering, or a related field Skilled in micro‑fabrication, optical‑ and microfluidics, and optical sensing of particles Highly experienced in designing nanoparticle trapping techniques using optical methods Skilled in modeling electro‑optical nano‑systems to predict properties and fluid dynamics Highly skilled in multiple scripting languages, including MATLAB, Python, Optiwave (FDTD), COMSOL, Proteus, Lumerical, and LaTeX Demonstrated ability to develop prototype sensors integrated with optical fibers and detectors needed to detect and analyze the related data Equal Opportunity Employer Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. The university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved. EEO Statement EEO is the Law. #J-18808-Ljbffr The American Ceramic Society