Advanced Optical Metrology -4328

tsu.edu; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Advanced Optical Metrology for Semiconductor Processes under the PREP program. The successful candidate will bridge fundamental frequency comb spectroscopy with industrial ALD processes and deploy EO frequency combs for real-time in-situ mid-IR studies.

You will lead experimental development of high-accuracy spectrometers, perform time-resolved spectroscopy, and build Python

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• Technical Expertise: Proven experience with optical measurements; frequency combs or molecular spectroscopy is highly desirable.
• Programming: Strong programming skills for data analysis and instrument interfacing.
• Soft Skills: Collaborative mindset and excellent technical writing ability.

Responsibilities

• Experimental Leadership: Drive development and alignment of high-accuracy EO frequency comb spectrometers.
• Advanced Optical Metrology: Conduct time-resolved molecular spectroscopy and fit spectra to databases (e.g., HITRAN).
• Computational Analysis: Build and maintain Python-based tools for signal processing, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Scientific Communication: Lead manuscript preparation and present NIST research at international conferences.

Skills

Optical measurements

Frequency comb spectroscopy

Python for data analysis

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Optical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Python

Instrumentation interfacing

Spectroscopy hardware

Job description

PREP Research Associate

CHIPS Funded Project -4328

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.

Research Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate: Advanced Optical Metrology for Semiconductor Processes

U.S. Citizen Preferred

The work will entail:

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking a driven Postdoctoral Researcher to bridge the gap between fundamental frequency comb spectroscopy and industrial semiconductor fabrication. Joining a multidisciplinary team, you will deploy electro-optic (EO) frequency combs to perform real-time, in-situ mid-IR spectroscopy of Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) processes. Your work will directly impact the next generation of microelectronics by quantifying the partial pressures of deposition precursors and reaction byproducts with microsecond resolution.

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Experimental Leadership: Drive the development and alignment of high-accuracy EO frequency comb spectrometers.
• Advanced Optical Metrology: Execute time-resolved molecular spectroscopy experiments; analyze complex data sets by fitting experimental spectra to molecular databases (e.g., HITRAN).
• Computational Analysis: Build and maintain Python-based tools for signal processing, noise reduction, automated data acquisition, and data analysis.
• Scientific Communication: Lead the authoring of high-impact manuscripts and represent NIST's research at international conferences.

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• Technical Expertise: Proven experience with optical measurements. Direct experience with frequency combs or molecular spectroscopy is highly desirable.
• Programming: Strong programming skills for data analysis and instrument interfacing.
• Soft Skills: A collaborative mindset suited for a fast-paced, multidisciplinary lab environment and excellent technical writing ability.