Assistant Research Scientist (PREP0004827)

Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore is seeking a PREP Research Associate to support a CHIPS-funded project focused on nondestructive defect detection metrology for advanced semiconductor packaging. The role involves collaborating within a multidisciplinary team to develop reference artifacts and benchmark datasets, and to perform both destructive and nondestructive measurements including XCT.

The candidate will contribute to automating workflows with Python, organizing measured data for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or related discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with XCT measurements, reconstruction, and image analysis.
• Experience with XCT simulation is a plus.
• Experience with sample preparation, FIB, and SEM.
• Experience with image segmentation using commercial or open‑source tools.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Able to quickly learn and adapt to new fields or techniques.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for focused ion beam or scanning electron microscopy measurements.
• Make X-ray computed tomography or laminography measurements.
• Design 3D models for simulation, run XCT simulations, carry out XCT reconstruction, and execute image analysis.
• Organize and prepare data sets for publication.
• Present results at internal meetings and occasional meetings with external stakeholders.
• Ensure that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization.

Skills

XCT measurements

Image analysis

Sample preparation (FIB/SEM)

Data management

Strong communication

Fast learner/adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or related discipline

Tools

FIB/SEM equipment

XCT simulations software

Job description

PREP Research Associate – CHIPS Funded Project

NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.

Research Title: Research Engineering Technician (CHIPS Project: Nondestructive defect detection metrology for advanced semiconductor packaging)

The work will entail: The candidate will join a multidisciplinary team of scientists working to advance nondestructive defect detection metrology for advanced semiconductor packaging by developing reference artifacts and benchmark datasets. The candidate will also contribute to sample preparation and to making destructive (e.g., FIB/SEM) and nondestructive measurements (e.g., XCT). The candidate will contribute to the development of reference artifacts. The candidate may contribute to designing CAD models, running X‑ray computed tomography (XCT) simulations, and performing XCT reconstructions to generate datasets. The candidate will support the development of a Python script or package to automate these processes as needed. The datasets will be used to evaluate defect detection and image segmentation algorithms, including those based on deep learning principles. The incumbent will analyze the resulting measurements, perform image processing, and extract meaningful information to support the research goals outlined in the experiment plan. They will organize the measured and analyzed datasets for publication and communicate with the team.

U.S. Citizen Preferred

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for focused ion beam or scanning electron microscopy measurements
• Make X‑ray computed tomography or laminography measurements
• Design 3D models for simulation, run XCT simulations, carry out XCT reconstruction, and execute image analysis
• Organize and prepare data sets for publication
• Present results at internal meetings and occasional meetings with external stakeholders
• Ensure that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or a related discipline
• At least 5 years of relevant experience
• Experience with XCT measurements, reconstruction, and image analysis
• Experience with XCT simulation is a plus
• Experience with sample preparation, FIB, and SEM
• Experience with the image segmentation process using commercial software or an open‑source tool
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Able to quickly learn and adapt to new fields or techniques

Equal Opportunity Employer

The organization is committed to equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics. The law requires that qualified individuals have equal access to employment opportunities.