Research Associate - National Institute for Standards and Technology

Location: Vestal, NY Category: Professional & Support Staff Job Type: Full-time Posted On: Tue Aug 11 2026 Job Description:

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. 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.

Research Title: Digital Traceability for RF Power Calibrations

The work will entail: As the USA's National Metrology Institute, NIST is responsible for maintaining precision measurement capabilities that are traceable to the fundamental definitions of the SI units. This position entails developing software tools to support traceability for radio-frequency (RF) power measurements. These tools will support data analysis, record keeping, and dissemination of well-documented data and data analysis algorithms to stakeholders.

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Maintain software repositories for data analysis software, including code, documentation, and CDCI pipelines.

• Implement bug fixes and ease-of-use improvements based on user feedback

• Process data from NIST's microcalorimeters, and publish data in scientific literature

• Make tools to allow for interoperability between NIST's in-house software tools, Digital Calibration Certificates, and VNA Tools.

Job Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in physics, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related discipline

• At least 3 years of RF measurement experience, especially traceable RF power metrology

• Familiarity with RF software such as VNA Tools

Additional Information:

Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 annually.

Employee Benefits: The Research Foundation for the State University of New York offers a comprehensive benefits package (https://benefits.rfsuny.org/) that is a valuable part of total compensation. This includes medical, dental, vision, dependent care subsidy and other benefits such as SUNY Tuition Assistance. Furthermore, our 10 Perks of Working at the RF (https://www.rfsuny.org/about-us/careers/) provides an at-a-glance view of our top benefits that make us a great place to work.

Research Foundation Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law.

The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

The Research Foundation for SUNY is a private, not for profit corporation and is a separate employer from SUNY and the State of New York and offers separate compensation and benefit plans.

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