Postdoc: In Situ Nanocalorimetry for ALD Reactions

National Institute of Standards and Technology; Gaithersburg (MD); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher for nanocalorimetry of ALD processes to obtain in situ thermal data and quantify surface thermochemistry.

You will operate ALD systems, develop chip-based nanocalorimeters, model calorimeter data, publish results, and collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team. Ph.D. required; US citizenship preferred; 1-year term with renewal options; salary $80,000 to $105,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in chemistry, physics, materials science, or related field.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain ALD systems and custom nanocalorimetry setups.
• Set up and operate in situ calorimetric and optical instrumentation.
• Model time-resolved calorimeter data to extract thermophysical quantities.
• Characterize deposited films using analytical techniques.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Skills

Lab instrumentation

ALD equipment operation

Thermal metrology

In situ diagnostics

Vapor transport / precursor chemistry

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent in chemistry/physics/materials science

Tools

Vacuum hardware

Optical absorption setups

Calorimetry instrumentation

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher for Nanocalorimetry of Atomic Layer Deposition Processes

The Material Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking qualified persons (U.S. citizens preferred) to join a multi-disciplinary team of scientists working on advanced nanocalorimetry measurements, including developing methods for applying the technique to in situ monitoring of semiconductor processes. The candidate will implement chip-based nanocalorimeters on atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes to obtain in situ thermal process data and quantify the thermochemistry of surface reactions.

Duties

• Operating and maintaining multiple ALD system and custom nanocalorimetry setups
• Setting up and operating in situ calorimetric and optical instrumentation
• Modeling time-resolved calorimeter data to extract thermophysical quantities
• Characterizing deposited films using analytical techniques
• Publishing findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presenting at conferences

Required Skills, Expertise, and Qualifications

• Expertise in building and maintaining custom lab instrumentation and vacuum hardware
• Expertise in safe operation, use, and maintenance of ALD equipment
• Knowledgeable in thermal metrology such as calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis
• Operation of in situ process diagnostics, including custom optical absorption setups
• Knowledgeable in vapor transport mechanisms, precursor chemistry, and process development/optimization applicable to ALD
• Ph.D. or equivalent experience in chemistry, physics, materials science, or related field
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently

Other Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in the semiconductor industry, particularly in ALD precursors and process tools
• Thermal modeling of surfaces and interfaces

Employment Terms

This opportunity is to be an associate researcher in the NIST Chemical Sciences Division for a term of 1 year, with options to renew. Associate researchers are NOT Federal Employees, but they work along with 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.

How to Express Interest

Interested persons (U.S. Citizens preferred) who meet all of the required qualifications are invited to express their interest by sending an email that briefly describes their qualifications along with a CV to [e-mail] . U.S. citizens should note “U.S. Citizen” and the opportunity title in the email subject line. All others should note “Non-U.S. Citizen” and the opportunity title in the email subject line.

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] .

$80,000 to $105,000 per year, based on experience