Assistant Research Scientist (PREP0004209)

Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University is seeking a Research Associate for a CHIPS funded project in Baltimore. This position involves conducting thin-film growth and materials characterization, engaging in collaborative research, and mentoring students while publishing findings in prestigious journals.

The ideal candidate will possess a B.S. in materials science or a related field and have foundational experience with laboratory equipment. Strong communication skills in English are essential and prior experience with advanced diffraction techniques is preferred.

Qualifications

• Basic experience with laboratory equipment and techniques.
• Laboratory safety training is required.
• Capability to communicate effectively in English.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thin-film growth by reactive magnetron sputtering.
• Collaborate with partners on publications and prototyping.
• Prepare research reports and present findings at conferences.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Skills

Laboratory equipment experience

Materials characterization techniques

Strong oral and written communication in English

Education

B.S. in materials science and engineering or related field

Tools

X-ray diffraction

Electron microscopy

Scanning probe microscopy

Job description

PREP Research Associate – CHIPS Funded Project

Chip's (CHIPS and Science Act) funded project at NIST’s Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). The role supports collaborative scientific research by performing technical work in a cross‑institutional partnership. The work includes film growth, materials characterization, analysis of piezoelectric and electromechanical properties, publication, presentation, and mentorship.

Key Responsibilities

• Primary responsibilities: thin‑film growth by reactive magnetron sputtering, chemical and structural characterization, measurement and interpretation of electrical and electromechanical properties.
• Interaction with interdisciplinary partners on publication, reporting, and device prototyping.
• Writing up research for project reports and archival journals, presenting results at national and international conferences.
• Publishing findings in peer‑reviewed journals, participating in funding proposals, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• B.S. in materials science and engineering or related field with emphasis on semiconductor devices, functional ceramics, or related topics.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic experience with laboratory equipment and materials characterization such as X‑ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and scanning probe microscopy.
• Laboratory safety training.
• Strong oral and written communication in English.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Film growth via RF magnetron sputtering.
• Textured/epitaxial film analysis via advanced diffraction techniques (rocking curve, pole figure, reciprocal space mapping).
• Measurement and analysis of piezoelectric and/or ferroelectric properties.
• Characterization of RF resonator devices.
• Measurement and interpretation of electrical properties using a probe station.

U.S. Citizen Preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Johns Hopkins University is an equal opportunity employer. The university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. It is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.