Publisher
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University of Colorado Boulder

Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate in Cryogenic Refrigeration and Quantum Sensors University of Colorado Boulder in United States

Degree Level

Postdoc

Field of study

Mechanical Engineering

Funding

Full-time research faculty position with salary range of $74,000–$108,000 annually for Postdoctoral Associate and $78,000–$135,000 annually for Research Associate. Onboarding/relocation assistance may be available. Benefits include medical, dental, retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition assistance for employees and dependents.

Deadline

Sep 28, 2026

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Country

United States

University

University of Colorado Boulder

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Keywords

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Heat Transfer
Fluid Mechanics
Aeroacoustics
Quantum Computing
Thermoacoustics
Quantum Sensing
Physics
Cryogenic
Thermodynamics

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About this position

The University of Colorado Boulder is advertising a Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate position connected to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) PREP collaboration. The work is based in Boulder, Colorado, United States and is hosted by the Cryocoolers Team with the Quantum Sensors - HQ group at NIST.

The research focuses on novel cryogenic refrigerators (cryocoolers), especially systems that cool near 4 K for applications in quantum sensing and quantum computing. The team uses experimental, numerical, and analytical methods to study thermoacoustic systems, identify performance-limiting physical processes, build predictive models, and design proof-of-principle experiments to demonstrate and commercialize new cryocooler technology.

This is a full-time research faculty appointment. The postdoctoral salary range is $74,000–$108,000 annually, and the research associate salary range is $78,000–$135,000 annually. Onboarding/relocation assistance may be available. Benefits include medical, dental, retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition assistance.

Eligibility depends on the role: Postdoctoral Associate applicants need a PhD in Engineering, Physics, or a related field with 0–4 years of postdoctoral experience; Research Associate applicants need a PhD in Engineering, Physics, or a related field with 5+ years of postdoctoral experience. Preferred experience includes thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, refrigeration, acoustics, and hands-on work with complex experimental systems. A successful NAIS agreement and federal security clearance are required.

Applications are reviewed immediately and remain open until 2026-09-28. Applicants should submit a CV/resume and a cover letter through the CU Boulder Jobs portal. Reference contact information is required during the application process, and recommendation letters will be requested after submission. Email applications are not accepted.

Funding details

Full-time research faculty position with salary range of $74,000–$108,000 annually for Postdoctoral Associate and $78,000–$135,000 annually for Research Associate. Onboarding/relocation assistance may be available. Benefits include medical, dental, retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition assistance for employees and dependents.

What's required

Postdoctoral Associate applicants must have a PhD in Engineering, Physics, or a related field with 0–4 years of post-doctoral degree experience. Research Associate applicants must have a PhD in Engineering, Physics, or a related field with 5+ years of post-doctoral degree experience. Preferred qualifications include a strong background in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, refrigeration, or acoustics, plus experience designing, manufacturing, and operating complex experimental systems. Successful completion of an NAIS agreement and federal security clearance is required.

How to apply

Submit a CV or resume and a cover letter addressed to the Search Committee through the CU Boulder Jobs application portal. Enter reference contact information during the application process; a recommendation letter will be requested after submission. Do not apply by email.

More information can be found here

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