Numerical Modeling for Nano-to-Microscale Thermo-Mechanical Measurements

National Institute of Standards and Technology; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

NIST’s Materials Measurement Laboratory is seeking qualified associates to perform finite element analyses and simulations of nanoscale and microscale thermo-mechanical tests based on AFM and instrumented indentation. This role focuses on numerical modeling of nanoscale and microscale tests on materials used in advanced packaging of microelectronics.

The associate researcher will develop models, analyze temperature-dependent behavior, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications while

Qualifications

• PhD required in materials science or related field.
• Advanced knowledge of finite element methods and multiscale modelling for nano/microscale contact mechanics.
• Experience writing software or using Python to automate simulations.
• Experience with computational materials research and data-driven property extraction.
• Knowledge of AFM and/or nanoindentation experiments; hands-on preferred.
• Familiarity with BEOL materials and interconnects in microelectronics.

Responsibilities

• Perform finite element analyses to model thermo-mechanical behavior at micro- and nano-scale.
• Research and develop theoretical models for temperature-dependent nano/microscale behavior.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Skills

Finite element methods

Multiscale modelling

Python scripting

AFM/Nanoindentation

Written & oral communication

Education

PhD in materials science

Job description

Numerical Modeling for Nano-to-Microscale Thermo-Mechanical Measurements

The Material Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking qualified persons (U.S. citizens preferred) to perform finite element analysis and simulations related to nanoscale and microscale material property measurements based on atomic force microscopy and instrumented indentation. This work will focus primarily on numerical modeling of nanoscale and microscale thermomechanical tests on materials and heterogeneous structures used in advanced packaging of microelectronics.

Duties

• Perform finite element analyses to model the thermo-mechanical behavior of materials and structures at the micro- and nano-scale
• Research and develop theoretical models for the analysis of temperature-dependent micro/nanomechanical behavior of materials and heterogeneous structures at elevated temperatures. As needed, refine these models based on data from AFM and nanoindentation experiments.
• Publish results in peer reviewed scientific journals and present results at scientific conferences.

Required Skills, Expertise, and Qualifications

• PhD in materials science or related field.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with finite element methods/multiscale modelling, particularly related to nano/microscale contact mechanics. Experience writing software and/or using python scripting to speed up/automate simulation workflows.
• Experience with computational materials research, particularly in the validation of experimental results or extraction of materials properties from complex experimental data.
• Knowledge of AFM and/or nanoindentation experiments. Hands on experience preferred.
• Knowledge of materials commonly used in BEOL layers and interconnects of microelectronic devices, particularly those used in hybrid bonding processes.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Employment Terms

This opportunity is to be an associate researcher in the Materials Measurement Science Division for a term of 1 year, with options to renew. Associate researchers are NOT Federal Employees, but they work aside NIST researchers and with NIST’s world-class instrumentation. Relocation expenses will not be provided. U.S. citizens hired into associate positions may have the opportunity to seek longer term Federal Employment.

An Associate at NIST is not a federal employee but collaborates with NIST on research projects of mutual interest and does not work exclusively on NIST mission-related activities. If you have any questions, please contact the International and Academic Affairs Office at [e-mail] .