Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0003527)

Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Work-life balance support

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore is seeking a PREP Research Associate to conduct finite element analysis and simulations for nano-to-microscale thermo-mechanical measurements. Candidates should hold a PhD in Materials Science and have experience in computational materials research, especially in validating experimental results.

The role emphasizes strong communication skills and the ability to work in a team. The position requires advanced knowledge in finite element methods and familiarity with Python scripting.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science or a related field.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with finite element methods and multiscale modeling.
• Experience with computational materials research and validation of experimental results.

Responsibilities

• Perform finite element analyses on materials and structures.
• Research and develop thermal models using numerical simulations.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Skills

Finite element methods

Python scripting

Computational materials research

Basic knowledge of AFM

Strong communication skills

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related field

Job description

PREP Research Associate – CHIPS Funded Project

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.

Research Title

Numerical modeling for nano-to-microscale thermo-mechanical measurements (U.S. Citizens Preferred)

Work will entail

The Materials Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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, refining these models based on data from AFM and nanoindentation experiments as needed.
• Publish results in peer reviewed scientific journals and present results at scientific conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science or a 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 or 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.

Salary Range

The referenced salary range represents the minimum and maximum salaries for this position and is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. The actual compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors, as reasonably determined by the University.

Total Rewards

Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/