Post-Doctoral Research Associate

North Carolina A&T State University; Greensboro (NC); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan (TSERS)

Paid holidays

Employee assistance program

Job summary

North Carolina A&T State University seeks a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to advance oxide and nitride thin films for superconductivity and catalysis. The role focuses on growth, characterization, and optimization of functional thin-film materials using PLD and magnetron sputtering, with emphasis on independent operation and collaboration.

You will contribute to a dynamic project with XPS, SEM, AFM, and electrical/optical measurements, aiming to publish in peer‑reviewed journals and advance

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in thin-film deposition using PLD and/or magnetron sputtering.
• Proven ability to independently operate, maintain, and troubleshoot thin-film deposition systems.
• Strong background in structural, chemical, electrical, magnetic, optical, and/or electrochemical characterization of thin films.
• Excellent experimental, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Thin‑film growth using PLD and magnetron sputtering
• X‑ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
• Four‑probe electrical transport measurements
• Hall effect measurements
• Magnetization measurements (VSM and/or SQUID)
• UV–Visible spectroscopy, ellipsometry, or other optical characterization techniques
• Three‑electrode electrochemical measurements and electrocatalytic evaluation
• Additional structural, chemical, electrical, magnetic, and optical characterization techniques are desirable.

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

North Carolina A&T State University participates in E-Verify.

Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Aff…

No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.

Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD 214 form.

Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting.

Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks.

Employee Benefits available to NC A & T permanent employees include the following and more;

• Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave for Eligible Employees
• Community Service Leave
• Aetna – State Health Benefits of North Carolina
• NCFlex - Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)
• Optional Supplemental Plans - 401k, 403b, 457b and 457
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Campus Recreation Center Discount
• University Bookstore Discount
• and more

This position may be eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. N.C. A&T employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

Classification Information

Classification Type

Classification Type EHRA

Position Overview

Primary Purpose of Position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate position will conduct research in the area of oxide and nitride thin films for applications in superconductivity, electrocatalysis, optical materials, and plasmonics. The successful candidate will join an active research program focused on the growth, characterization, and property optimization of advanced functional thin-film materials. We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with strong hands‑on experience in physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to ongoing projects from the beginning of the appointment and should therefore be capable of independently operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) and magnetron sputtering systems.

• Thin‑film growth using PLD and magnetron sputtering
• X‑ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
• Four‑probe electrical transport measurements
• Hall effect measurements
• Magnetization measurements (VSM and/or SQUID)
• UV–Visible spectroscopy, ellipsometry, or other optical characterization techniques
• Three‑electrode electrochemical measurements and electrocatalytic evaluation
• Additional structural, chemical, electrical, magnetic, and optical characterization techniques are desirable.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

North Carolina A&T State University is a public, doctoral high research land-grant University that enrolls over 14,000 students. The University is a learner‑centered community that develops and preserves intellectual capital through interdisciplinary learning, discovery, engagement, and operational excellence.

The College of Engineering, with over 2,500 students, has EAC ABET accredited undergraduate programs in Architectural, Bio‑, Biological, Civil, Chemical, Computer, Electrical, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as a CAC ABET‑accredited program in Computer Science. On the Graduate level, the College has 8 Masters of Science Degree programs, and 5 Doctoral programs distributed across its seven departments. The five research cluster areas of the College of Engineering (COE) are Autonomous Systems, Cybersecurity and Resilience, Energy and Sustainability, Healthcare Applications and Complex Systems and Networks; where the COE welcomes faculty dedicated to engaged teaching, innovative research, and who thrive in an environment that embraces unique differences within the student body, faculty, and staff. Additional information about the College can be found at www.ncat.edu/coe.

The mission of this PREM Center is to establish a broad alliance of scientists, engineers, social scientists, and education experts. Consistent intellectual interaction and reciprocal exchange of NCAT and UCSD MRSEC faculty members, students, and postdoctoral fellows will reinforce this partnership. The NCAT‑UCSD PREM will use advanced materials research and a seamlessly integrated education program to develop a network of relationships that reinforce and populate the PREM pathway and increase recruitment, retention, and degree attainment of students at all levels. The PREM pathway will provide both financial support and mentoring for over 50 undergraduate and 30 graduate students and trainees during its tenure at NCAT .

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Demonstrated expertise in thin‑film deposition using PLD and/or magnetron sputtering.

Proven ability to independently operate, maintain, and troubleshoot thin‑film deposition systems.

Strong background in structural, chemical, electrical, magnetic, optical, and/or electrochemical characterization of thin films.

Excellent experimental, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.

A strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals.

Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

Up to 5 years experience with demonstrated proof of publications in high impact journals and citations in the field of materials research, especially in energy materials for photocatalytic, electrocatalytic, PEC / PVC , simulation and modeling be required.

Required License or Certification

Is this position eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. On‑site (Employees are primarily in the office and/or have a critical job requirement that requires dedicated office space on‑site)

Position Information

Working Title

Working Title Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Position Number

Position Number 009945

Recruitment Salary Range

Recruitment Salary Range Commensurate with education and experience

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Time Limited - Full-time

Tenure Track No

FTE

FTE 40 hours/week, 12 months

If Time Limited, Appointment Length 08/31/2030

Organizational Division

Organizational Division Mechanical Engineering

Organizational Location

Organizational Location College of Engineering

Organizational Unit

Organizational Unit CEDARS

Posting Number

Posting Number EPA3179

Open Date

Open Date 08/24/2026

Close Date - for postings that do not use Open Until Filled

Close Date - for postings that do not use Open Until Filled 09/07/2026

Open Until Filled No

Open Until Filled Minimum Application Period Postings: Positions remaining posted after this date are continuing to accept applications, but may close at any time. Applications received by this date will receive full consideration, applications received after this date may receive consideration depending upon the status of the search

Date Position Available

Date Position Available 08/20/2026

Contact Division of Human Resources
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