Research Scientist (Advanced Diamond Synthesis)

Nanyang Technological University Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

NTU Temasek Laboratories seeks a PhD-qualified materials scientist to lead diamond synthesis research. You will operate MPCVD and hydrogenation systems, perform Raman/XRD/SEM/AFM analyses, and optimize crystal growth protocols. You will document results and present progress to project teams.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in CVD/diamond or wide-bandgap semiconductors, strong data analysis skills, and experience with surface chemistry and device-relevant material requirements.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science or related field with diamond synthesis specialization.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in CVD, preferably diamond or wide-bandgap semiconductors.
• Hands-on MPCVD/plasma-assisted CVD systems understanding and gas handling.
• Strong materials characterization background with Raman/XRD/SEM/AFM.
• Experience with surface chemistry or hydrogen plasma treatments is desirable.
• Knowledge of semiconductor device physics and material requirements.
• Proficient in experimental design, data analysis, and statistics for optimization.
• Good writing skills for proposals, reports and publications.

Responsibilities

• Lead installation, commissioning, and operation of MPCVD and hydrogenation systems.
• Review literature on synthesis of diamond single crystals and challenges.
• Develop iterative protocols for growing high-quality diamond crystals.
• Characterize materials using Raman, AFM, XRD, and SEM for feedback.
• Perform hydrogen termination and surface/electrical characterization.
• Record experiments and maintain equipment operation logs.
• Prepare progress reports and presentations for reviews.
• Collaborate with device fabrication to meet material specs.

Skills

MPCVD

Diamond synthesis

CVD plasma systems

Raman spectroscopy

XRD

AFM

SEM

Data analysis

Proposal writing

Education

PhD in Materials Science

Tools

MPCVD reactor

Hydrogenation system

Plasma equipment

Job description

Temasek Laboratories@NTU (TL@NTU) is a premier research institute at Nanyang Technological University specializing in advanced defense and security technologies. The institute collaborates with external partners and stakeholders on cutting-edge research in strategic defense systems, advanced materials, power electronics, and semiconductor technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the installation, commissioning, and operation of specialized equipment including Microwave Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition (MPCVD) reactor and hydrogenation system for diamond synthesis
• Conduct comprehensive literature review on synthesis practices for electronic-grade diamond single crystals, their handling, and current research challenges
• Develop and optimize iterative synthesis protocols for growing high-quality diamond single crystals
• Perform materials characterization using Raman spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to establish quality feedback loops
• Execute post-synthesis hydrogen termination processes via plasma hydrogenation
• Conduct surface and electrical characterization of hydrogenated diamond including sheet resistance measurements and crystal face specificity analysis
• Verify hydrogenation effectiveness and optimize process parameters for crystal quality improvement
• Maintain detailed experimental records, technical documentation, and equipment operation logs
• Prepare progress reports and technical presentations for project review meetings
• Collaborate with device fabrication team to ensure material specifications meet device requirements

Job Requirements

• PhD degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field with specialization in diamond synthesis, semiconductor materials, or advanced crystal growth techniques
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in chemical vapor deposition (CVD), preferably with diamond or wide-bandgap semiconductors
• Hands-on expertise with MPCVD or similar plasma-assisted CVD systems, including understanding of plasma chemistry, gas handling, and vacuum systems
• Strong background in materials characterization techniques including Raman spectroscopy, AFM, XRD, and SEM with ability to interpret complex spectroscopic and microscopic data
• Experience with surface chemistry, hydrogen plasma treatments, or surface functionalization of semiconductors is highly desirable
• Knowledge of semiconductor device physics and electronic-grade material requirements
• Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and statistical methods for process optimization
• Good writing skills for writing proposals, reports and publications in good academic journals
• Strong organizational and project management skills with ability to meet deliverable deadlines
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team environment
• Experience with safety protocols for high-temperature systems, reactive gases, and vacuum equipment
• Prior experience with diamond synthesis or wide-bandgap semiconductors (SiC, GaN) is a strong advantage

We regret to inform you that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NTU