Professional Research Assistant or Sr. Professional Research Assistant

University of Colorado Boulder • Boulder, CO

44d • $65,000 - $125,000

About The Position

Fabrication of Micro Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) in NIST's Class 100 cleanroom. Additional sample preparation and assembly outside a cleanroom environment. Process development for fabrication, assembly and packaging of MEMS. This position ends on 9/30/27. 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 and thus requires that such institutions be the recipients 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. 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 under the Applied Chemicals & Materials Division at NIST.

Requirements

• Professional Research Assistant: MS degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field with 0 - 9 years of post-baccalaureate with relevant experience.
• Senior Professional Research Assistant: MS degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field with 10+ years of post-baccalaureate with relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

• At least 5 (five) years of class 100 cleanroom microfabrication experience beyond the MS degree.
• Familiarity with as many fabrication processes under the "key responsibilities" section as possible.
• Familiarity with MEMS layout software (L-edit preferred).
• Other MEMS-related experience preferred (MEMS design, assembly, packaging, testing).
• Some materials characterization experience preferred (e.g. SEM, EDS, XRD).
• Some basic analog circuits experience preferred but not necessary.
• Willingness to learn new processes and skills & to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Cleanroom fabrication of MEMS. Processes includes: mask generation, photolithography, photoresist lift-off. Silicon wet etching, DRIE, XeF2 etching. SOI wafer processing. Thin film deposition including thermal evaporation, e-beam evaporation, CVD, PECVD. Electroplating or electroless plating of metal films. Sacrificial layer deposition, patterning and release. Wet etching and RIE of films. Polymer microfabrication such as with polyimide or SU8. Double-sided wafer etching. Wafer dicing, wafer bonding, chip bonding.
• Cleanroom process development.
• Mask layout, including for double sided wafer processing.
• Characterization of fabricated structures using techniques such as: optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ellipsometry, profilometry, electrical continuity measurements with probe station.
• MEMS packaging techniques such as: anodic bonding, wirebonding, flip-chip bonding, solder bonding.
• Presenting results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders.
• Follow all lab safety protocols.
• Ensuring that fabrication processes, protocols and documentation are archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization.

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. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees