Researcher III - CdTe Interface and Fabrication Scientist
About The Position
NLR’s Thin-Film Innovations group in the Materials Science Center is hiring a limited-term Researcher III to study interfaces, engineer materials, fabricate devices, and evaluate the durability of CdTe thin-film photovoltaic devices and materials. The role contributes to applied development projects supporting the CdTe core team, CTAC leadership, DuraMAT, and CRADA partners. Direct CdTe photovoltaics experience is not an explicit requirement, but candidates are expected to build familiarity with the field and its challenges and demonstrate applicable skills. The work includes surface and interface studies of CdTe photovoltaics and packaging materials using methods such as photoelectron spectroscopy, inverse photoemission, Auger electron spectroscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction, as well as synthesis of two-dimensional and thin-film materials. The researcher will investigate performance barriers and help identify solutions, maintain some equipment, present results to teams and project sponsors, and contribute to journal publications. The position also involves collaboration, mentoring students and junior team members, and supporting a safe, inclusive work environment that values employees’ talents and ideas. NLR is the nation’s primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. Its multidisciplinary teams work with industry, academia, and other national laboratories to advance energy innovation. The position is based in Golden, Colorado, and is listed at 40 hours per week. The role requires a favorable background investigation and ability to obtain and maintain a federal PIV card. Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment drug test.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; the degree must be completed before the employment start date.
- Hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of several materials characterization methods, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, or ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy.
- Experience growing and/or processing materials, for example through sputtering or solution processing.
- Ability to maintain complex synthesis and/or characterization instruments, particularly vacuum-based equipment.
- Strong knowledge of inorganic thin films and semiconductor materials, particularly chalcogenides, oxides, or related material systems.
- Ability to interpret and assess experimental results and a record of success in relevant graduate or postgraduate work.
- Ability to understand data using conventional methods and contribute to novel technique development.
- Very good technical writing, interpersonal, oral, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated understanding and broad application of scientific technical procedures, principles, theories, and concepts, with general knowledge of related disciplines.
- Demonstrated leadership in one or more team, task, or project lead areas and experience managing projects.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with basic thin-film solar-cell characterization techniques.
- Knowledge of device physics.
- Experience with photovoltaic device characterization methods such as external quantum efficiency (EQE), flash current-voltage testing, and optical spectroscopy.
- Motivation and ability to work collaboratively, balance different types of tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated research capability in solving challenging problems with limited guidance.
- Programming and/or data-analysis skills, such as Python, C, or Igor Pro.
- Ability to contribute to and write proposals.
- Experience working with external academic and industrial collaborators.
- Established record in scientific writing, presentations, publishing, and communication.
- Self-starting attitude and initiative.
- Familiarity with CdTe photovoltaics and its challenges; direct experience is not explicitly required.
Responsibilities
- Conduct surface and interface studies of CdTe photovoltaic devices and packaging materials.
- Characterize materials using methods including photoelectron spectroscopy, inverse photoemission, Auger electron spectroscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction.
- Synthesize two-dimensional and thin-film materials.
- Investigate device and material performance barriers and help develop solutions.
- Maintain equipment, including complex synthesis or characterization instruments.
- Interpret and assess experimental results from the candidate’s own work and the work of others.
- Present data at team meetings and to project sponsors.
- Contribute to journal publications and scientific communications.
- Collaborate with project teams and external partners; mentor students and junior team members.
- Adhere to and promote NLR’s safety culture and support an inclusive work environment.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Short-term disability insurance
- Long-term disability insurance (limited-term positions are not eligible)
- Pension benefits
- 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match
- Life insurance
- Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- Paid time off
- Sick leave
- Paid holidays
- Tuition reimbursement (limited-term positions are not eligible)
- Potential performance-, merit-, and achievement-based monetary awards, subject to eligibility and not guaranteed
- Possible relocation expense reimbursement for eligible positions
- Professional development opportunities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
