NIST Integrated Cavity Optomechanics

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Description

This fellowship opportunity at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focuses on advancing integrated cavity optomechanics. The research aims to develop compact, integrated cavity optomechanical devices that enhance sensitivity and accuracy for both fundamental physics investigations and practical measurements.

Key research areas include:

• Optomechanical sensing: Developing sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and acoustic/ultrasound detectors with displacement sensitivities surpassing traditional electromechanical devices by orders of magnitude. These integrated devices enable deployable, low-uncertainty measurements traceable to the wavelength of light, with applications in inertial navigation, medical imaging, and all-optical sensor networks.

• Quantum ground state control: Creating devices with sufficiently low optical and mechanical losses to cool mechanical motion to the quantum ground state at room temperature without cryogenics. A promising device geometry combines photonic crystal reflectors with mechanical resonators acoustically isolated by phononic crystals, achieving high mechanical and optical quality factors.

• Microwave-to-optical photon conversion: Designing integrated optomechanical cavities that efficiently convert microwave photons (e.g., from superconducting qubits) to optical photons in visible and infrared ranges. This capability is critical for quantum information transfer over networks and can also be applied to high-efficiency optical modulation and microwave sensing. The conversion process typically involves microwave photons converting to phonons, which then interact with the optomechanical cavity to produce optical photons.

This research opportunity is ideal for postdoctoral researchers interested in pushing the boundaries of optomechanics, quantum control, and sensor technology.

Due Dates

• February 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
• May 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
• August 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
• November 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)

Note: If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it is moved to the next business day.

Funding Amount

• Base stipend: $82,764 per year
• Travel allowance: $3,000 per year
• Typical appointment length: 2 years

Eligibility

• Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens only.
• Education: Applicants must have earned a Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent research doctorate before beginning tenure.
• Experience: Postdoctoral applicants must have held their doctorate for less than five years as of the application deadline.
• Affiliation Restrictions: Applicants with current or recent prior affiliation with NIST (e.g., employment or previous NRC fellowship at NIST) may be ineligible.
• Other: Applicants must contact the proposed NIST Research Adviser before applying.

Application Process

Steps to Apply

1. Review eligibility: Confirm you meet the criteria for NRC Research Associateship and NIST-specific requirements.
2. Identify opportunity: Select the NIST Integrated Cavity Optomechanics research opportunity.
3. Contact adviser: Reach out to the NIST Research Adviser (Jason J. Gorman, gorman@nist.gov) to discuss your research proposal and funding availability.
4. Prepare application materials:
   • Profile information including education history and transcripts.
   • Research proposal (max 10 pages) detailing problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance.
   • Previous and current research description (max 4 pages).
   • List of publications and presentations (max 2 pages).
   • Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser for postdocs).
5. Submit application: Use the NRC Research Associateship online system to apply by the deadline.

Important Notes

• Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by letter writers via the online system by the deadline.
• Applications with missing or incomplete materials will not be reviewed.
• Applicants may apply for up to three research opportunities but only one per sponsoring federal agency.
• Review feedback is provided approximately one week after panel decisions.

Additional Information

• Awardees must maintain health insurance coverage during tenure.
• Relocation assistance is available for awardees moving more than 50 miles to the host laboratory.
• Annual travel allowance supports conference attendance and related activities.
• The fellowship provides access to NIST’s state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship.
• The program encourages professional growth and networking with leading scientists.

External Links

• NRC Research Associateship Programs Home
• NIST Integrated Cavity Optomechanics Opportunity
• NRC Research Associateship Program Applicant Guide (PDF)
• Visa Options for International Associates (PDF)

Contact Information