Researcher III - CdTe Interface and Fabrication Scientist

National Laboratory of the Rockies•Golden, CO

7d•$83,600 - $150,500•Onsite

About The Position

NLR’s Thin-Film Innovations group in the Materials Science Center is hiring a limited-term Researcher III to work on surface and interface analysis, interface engineering, device fabrication, and module durability for CdTe thin-film photovoltaic devices and materials. The position contributes to applied development projects supporting the CdTe core team, CdTe Accelerator Consortium (CTAC) leadership, Durable Module Materials Consortium (DuraMAT), and CRADA partners. Direct CdTe photovoltaic experience is not explicitly required, but the successful candidate is expected to become familiar with the field and its challenges and to demonstrate applicable skills. The work involves interface studies of CdTe photovoltaics and packaging materials, using characterization approaches 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 help address device and material performance barriers identified through investigations, maintain some equipment, present data at team meetings and to project sponsors, and contribute to journal publications. The candidate is expected to adhere to and promote NLR’s safety culture; collaborate with colleagues; mentor students and junior team members; remain open to new ideas; and recognize others’ contributions. The researcher will help foster a work environment that makes the most of each employee’s talents and ideas. The role is based in Golden, Colorado, and is listed at 40 hours per week.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. The posting also lists alternative basic qualification pathways: a relevant master’s degree with at least 3 years of experience, or a relevant bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of experience; the additional required qualifications specify a Ph.D.
Hands-on experience with 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.
Demonstrated 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 materials.
Ability to interpret and assess experimental results from own work and the work of others, with a record of success in this area from graduate and/or postgraduate work.
Ability to understand data using conventional methods and contribute to development of novel techniques.
Very good technical writing, interpersonal, oral, and communication skills.
Demonstrated understanding and broad application of scientific technical procedures, principles, theories, and concepts, and general knowledge of related disciplines.
Demonstrated leadership in one or more team, task, or project lead areas and experience managing projects.
Must meet educational requirements before the employment start date.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal PIV card, including a favorable background investigation.
Must pass a pre-employment drug test if offered employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with basic thin-film solar-cell characterization techniques.
Knowledge of device physics.
PV device characterization experience using methods such as external quantum efficiency (EQE), flash current-voltage testing, and optical spectroscopy.
Strong motivation and ability to work collaboratively, balance different tasks, and meet deadlines.
Ability to solve challenging research problems with limited guidance.
Programming and/or data-analysis skills, such as Python, C, or Igor Pro.
Demonstrated ability to contribute to and write proposals.
Experience working with external academic and industrial collaborators.
Established track record in scientific writing, presentations, publishing, and communication.
Self-starting attitude and initiative.
Familiarity with CdTe photovoltaics and its challenges; direct CdTe experience is not explicitly required.

Responsibilities

Conduct surface and interface studies of CdTe photovoltaics and packaging materials.
Characterize materials using methods such as photoelectron spectroscopy, inverse photoemission, Auger electron spectroscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction.
Synthesize two-dimensional and thin-film materials.
Help identify and solve device and material performance barriers.
Perform some equipment maintenance, including maintenance of complex synthesis or characterization instruments.
Interpret and assess experimental results from their 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, and mentor students and junior team members.
Adhere to and promote NLR’s safety culture and support an inclusive, collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Short-term disability insurance
Long-term disability insurance, except for limited-term positions
Pension benefits
403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match
Life insurance
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
Personal time off (PTO) and sick leave
Paid holidays
Tuition reimbursement, except for limited-term positions
Potential performance-, merit-, and achievement-based awards with a monetary component, subject to eligibility and not guaranteed
Possible relocation expense reimbursement for some positions