The George Washington University, in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow or Research Scientist to join the NIST Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). This opportunity is focused on the development of advanced measurement methodologies for detecting and identifying extremely low concentrations of contaminants in liquid environments, with a particular emphasis on optical trapping and sensing of nanoparticles.

The successful candidate will work on fabricating optical cavities in a cleanroom or nanofabrication facility, simulating and optimizing micro/nano-cavities for the optical trapping of sub-20 nm impurity particles, and performing single-particle detection and spectroscopy using custom-adapted microfluidic and optical microscope setups. The role also involves utilizing advanced microscopy techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cryogenic-stage optical microscopy (OM).

Applicants should possess a Ph.D. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field. Essential skills include expertise in micro-fabrication, optical/microfluidics, and optical nanoparticle trapping, as well as strong electro-optical modeling abilities. Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, Optiwave (FDTD), COMSOL, Proteus, Lumerical, and LaTeX is required. Candidates must be eligible to obtain a U.S. Department of Commerce background check.

This position offers the chance to contribute to pioneering research in semiconductor metrology and sensor design, working alongside leading experts at George Washington University and NIST. The research is highly interdisciplinary, spanning materials science, electrical engineering, and advanced optical techniques. Funding is provided through the NIST PREP program, though specific stipend and benefits details are not disclosed in the announcement.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply via the provided application link. This is an excellent opportunity for driven researchers aiming to advance their careers in nanoparticle sensing, microfabrication, and semiconductor research.