Postdoc: Silicon Boule Growth & CFD System Pioneer

National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Colorado; On-site; USD 77,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Pension benefits

403(b) Plan with employer match

Life and AD&D insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) in Golden, Colorado, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Silicon Crystal Growth. The role focuses on a hybrid float-zone and silane CVD approach to grow single-crystal boules and to develop a new deposition system guided by CFD modeling.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related fields, with experience in crystal growth, vacuum systems, and CAD/design.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical or Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in growth, characterization, and/or processing of materials, and/or growth of crystals; bulk or epitaxial growth valued.
• Skills in metal machining, CAD drawing, system/parts design and vacuum build/operation.
• Strong ability to interpret experimental results and communicate findings.

Responsibilities

• Develop a new silicon boule float-zone system incorporating silane CVD.
• Design, build, and test the crystal growth system with vacuum hardware.
• Characterize grown material for purity and defects; present data biweekly.
• Collaborate with CFD, technoeconomic, and lifecycle teams; support safety culture.

Skills

Vacuum systems

CAD drawing

Metal machining

System design

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Education

PhD in Physics

PhD in Chemistry

PhD in Materials Science

PhD in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Vacuum hardware

Job description

National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) in Golden, Colorado, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Silicon Crystal Growth. The role focuses on a hybrid float-zone and silane CVD approach to grow single-crystal boules and to develop a new deposition system guided by CFD modeling.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related fields, with experience in crystal growth, vacuum systems, and CAD/design.