Material Scientist

Socket.dev; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a highly motivated Materials Scientist with deep expertise in semiconductor materials to lead characterization and improvement of advanced material systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in semiconductor physics and materials science, with particular expertise in semiconductor surfaces, interfaces, and material properties.

This role blends fundamental science with hands-on experimentation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or related field.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor materials physics and how properties affect electrical behavior.
• Hands-on experience designing and executing experiments to investigate complex materials phenomena.
• Experience with materials characterization and analytical techniques.
• Strong data analysis and scientific problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical expert for semiconductor materials, with a focus on understanding and improving material properties and performance.
• Design and execute experiments to investigate material behavior, test hypotheses, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and apply appropriate characterization and analytical techniques to understand material properties and underlying mechanisms.
• Work with university labs and external laboratories or test facilities to conduct specialized materials analysis and experiments.
• Analyze experimental results to identify root causes, establish material-performance relationships, and guide material and process improvements.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to cross‑functional teams and drive projects from investigation through implementation.

Skills

Semiconductor physics

Experiment design

Materials characterization

Data analysis

Material properties understanding

Education

PhD in Materials Science

Tools

XPS

SIMS

AFM

SEM/TEM

Ellipsometry

Job description

Materials Scientist – Semiconductor Materials

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Materials Scientist with deep expertise in semiconductor materials to lead the characterization, understanding, and improvement of advanced material systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in semiconductor physics and materials science, with particular expertise in semiconductor surfaces, interfaces, and material properties.

This role will combine fundamental materials science with hands‑on experimentation. The successful candidate will develop hypotheses, design and execute experiments, work with internal and external characterization facilities, and translate experimental observations into actionable improvements to material performance.

The ideal candidate is a scientifically curious, highly analytical individual who enjoys investigating complex material behavior and developing a fundamental understanding of why materials perform the way they do. The candidate should thrive in a start up environment, be self‑motivated, be adaptable, and work well with teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical expert for semiconductor materials, with a focus on understanding and improving material properties and performance.
• Design and execute experiments to investigate material behavior, test hypotheses, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and apply appropriate characterization and analytical techniques to understand material properties and underlying mechanisms.
• Work with university labs and external laboratories or test facilities to conduct specialized materials analysis and experiments.
• Analyze experimental results to identify root causes, establish material-performance relationships, and guide material and process improvements.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to cross‑functional teams and drive projects from investigation through implementation.

Qualifications

Required

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor materials physics and the relationship between material properties and electrical behavior.
• Demonstrated experience designing and executing experiments to investigate complex materials phenomena.
• Hands‑on experience with materials characterization and analytical techniques.
• Strong data analysis and scientific problem‑solving skills.

Preferred

• Familiarity with techniques such as XPS, SIMS, AFM, SEM/TEM, ellipsometry, contact potential measurements, electrical characterization, or related analytical methods.
• Experience connecting microscopic material properties to macroscopic electrical or device behavior.
• Experience working in semiconductor manufacturing, semiconductor research, or advanced materials development.
• A track record of publications, patents, or other demonstrated contributions to semiconductor materials research.

Annual Salary Range

$90,000 — $180,000 USD