Professional Research Assistant

University of Colorado Boulder

  • Boulder, CO
  • 5 days ago
  • $54,000–$78,000 Per Year

Highlights

PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following fields including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. Better understanding of measurement and characterization of surface notches in AM components will further NIST's mission to advance measurement science and increase industrial competitiveness through better processes for making fatigue life predictions from non-destructive surface texture measurements.

Numbers & Facts

LocationBoulder, CO
Salary$54,000–$78,000 Per Year

Description

Professional Research Assistant

Jobs UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER

Jobs UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER

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Professional Research Assistant

Requisition Number:

74949

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

07-Oct-2026

Date Posted:

23-Sep-2026

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Job Summary

Job Summary

The proposed project will contribute complementary advancement of measurement science supporting AM-specific performance metrics connected to challenges in surface quality measurement science. Better understanding of measurement and characterization of surface notches in AM components will further NIST's mission to advance measurement science and increase industrial competitiveness through better processes for making fatigue life predictions from non-destructive surface texture measurements.

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Who We Are

PREP is a special partnership between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado Boulder. PREP provides research opportunities to CU undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in NIST labs to gain research experience alongside NIST scientists.

The particular group that needs a researcher is the Fatigue and Fracture Group at NIST.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

  • Surface roughness measurement and analysis for additively manufactured metals.
  • Fatigue testing and fractography for additively manufactured metals.
  • Fatigue modeling for additively manufactured metals.
  • Publishing results in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Presenting results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external partners.
  • Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization.

What You Should Know

What You Should Know

This position requires the successful completion of an NAIS agreement and federal security clearance as mandated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Employment is contingent upon approval of these requirements as determined by NIST.

Anticipated start date is December 28, 2026. Anticipated end date is one year, but no later than March 31, 2028.

Privacy Act Statement

Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)

Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.

PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following fields including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.

Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.

Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.

What We Can Offer

What We Can Offer

  • The salary range for this full-time position is $54,000 - $78,000 annually.
  • Onboarding/relocation assistance may be available, however, if within a 12-month period you exercise your right to willfully terminate your employment with the University of Colorado, you hereby agree to reimburse the department for your relocation expense.

Benefits

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be Statements

Be fun. Be talented. Be Boulder.

What We Require

What We Require

  • A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field.

What We Would Like You to Have

What We Would Like You to Have

  • Familiarity with the following techniques: X-ray micro computed tomography, laser confocal scanning microscopy, focus variation microscopy, fatigue testing, fractography, fatigue modeling.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.

Special Instructions

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

  • Resume or CV.
  • Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.

If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.

During the application process, you will need to enter contact information for a reference. We will request the letter of recommendation immediately following your application.

Please apply by October 7, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Lisa Valencia

Posting Contact Email: prepscientist@colorado.edu

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