Postdoctoral Researcher – Development of Thin Film Nitride Materials

National Laboratory of the Rockies • Golden, CO

1d • $76,600 - $126,400 • Onsite

About The Position

An experimental postdoctoral research position is available in NLR’s Materials Discovery and Development group. The position is focused on thin film synthesis and characterization of nitride materials by physical vapor deposition (sputtering). The position would support several collaborative basic science and applied development projects exploring emerging nitride thin films for applications including semiconductors, ultrawide bandgap semiconductors, piezo/ferroelectric materials, and radiation detectors.

One of the projects that this position would support is NLR’s next-generation autonomous semiconductor development suite, created as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's METALLIC platform. Through METALLIC, NLR aims to accelerate the discovery of advanced thin film inorganic semiconductor materials to address critical U.S. supply chain challenges, with particular emphasis on semiconductor technologies involving Ga, Ge, Sc and other critical elements and materials. This position will focus on the development of sputter deposition processes and characterization workflows using this autonomous semiconductor suite. Other projects that would be supported by this position focus on the design, development, and testing of novel ultrawide bandgap nitride materials for radiation detection and piezoelectric/ferroelectric devices.

As a part of both projects, the successful candidate will design and perform thin film synthesis and characterization experiments, collaborate with other scientists and engineers at NLR and at partner institutions, and disseminate results in the form of conference presentations and scientific publications. The job duties would also include setting up and maintaining existing experimental equipment and improving/creating data collection and analysis tools.

Note: We encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to apply, even if they don't meet 100% of the position requirements. We seek dedicated people who believe they have the credentials, skills, and ambition to succeed at NLR to apply for this role.

Requirements

• Recent PhD graduate within the last three years
• Prior hands-on experience with vacuum-based synthesis of functional thin film materials, using physical vapor deposition, such as reactive sputtering, pulsed laser deposition, or molecular beam epitaxy
• Hands-on experience with and in-depth knowledge of one or several materials characterization methods, such as x-ray diffraction/scattering, optoelectronic measurements (photoluminescence, Raman, transport), electrical characterization (piezo- or ferroelectric characterization, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of inorganic thin films and semiconductor materials, particularly oxides, nitrides, wide band gap semiconductors and dielectrics, piezoelectrics/ferroelectrics, or related material systems
• Established track record in scientific writing, presentation, publishing, and communication

Nice To Haves

• Proven ability to maintain complex synthesis and characterization instruments, particularly vacuum-based equipment
• Experience with simple device fabrication in a cleanroom setting (photolithography, etching, electron beam evaporation, etc.)
• Prior experience with automated, autonomous, and high-throughput experimental (combinatorial) research methods and techniques
• Active computer skills in programing (e.g., Python, LabView, C/Igor Pro, etc.), statistical data analysis, and/or software development
• Good understanding of solid-state chemistry, crystallography, materials design principles and structure-property relationships in inorganic materials
• Strong motivation, ability to work on collaborative projects, ability to balance different types of tasks and deadlines

Responsibilities

• Design and perform thin film synthesis and characterization experiments
• Collaborate with other scientists and engineers at NLR and at partner institutions
• Disseminate results in the form of conference presentations and scientific publications
• Set up and maintain existing experimental equipment
• Improve/create data collection and analysis tools

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Pension benefits
• 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match
• Life insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Personal time off (PTO)
• Sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards
• Relocation expense reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree