Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004328)

Johns Hopkins University; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Support for career and retirement

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for a CHIPS project. The role involves advanced optical metrology and data analysis using Python. Ideal candidates will have a Ph.D. in a relevant field and experience with optical measurements. Strong collaboration and technical writing skills are essential. The position offers the chance to contribute to innovative semiconductor processes while being part of a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience with optical measurements and frequency combs.
• Strong programming skills for data analysis and instrument interfacing.
• Collaborative mindset for a fast-paced, multidisciplinary lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Drive the development and alignment of high-accuracy EO frequency comb spectrometers.
• Execute time-resolved molecular spectroscopy experiments.
• Build and maintain Python-based tools for signal processing.

Skills

Optical measurements

Data analysis

Python programming

Collaboration

Technical writing

Education

Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Optical Engineering, or a 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 (PREP) program. The role supports collaboration between NIST and academic institutions on a federally funded CHIPS project, providing technical work that underpins scientific research of the collaboration.

Postdoctoral Research Associate: Advanced Optical Metrology for Semiconductor Processes

U.S. Citizen Preferred.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking a driven Postdoctoral Researcher to bridge the gap between fundamental frequency‑comb spectroscopy and industrial semiconductor fabrication. Joining a multidisciplinary team, you will deploy electro‑optic (EO) frequency combs to perform real‑time, in‑situ mid‑IR spectroscopy of Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) processes, quantifying partial pressures of deposition precursors and reaction by‑products with microsecond resolution.

Key Responsibilities

• Experimental Leadership: Drive the development and alignment of high‑accuracy EO frequency comb spectrometers.
• Advanced Optical Metrology: Execute time‑resolved molecular spectroscopy experiments and analyze complex data sets by fitting experimental spectra to molecular databases such as HITRAN.
• Computational Analysis: Build and maintain Python‑based tools for signal processing, noise reduction, automated data acquisition, and data analysis.
• Scientific Communication: Lead the authoring of high‑impact manuscripts and represent NIST’s research at international conferences.

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• Technical Expertise: Proven experience with optical measurements; direct experience with frequency combs or molecular spectroscopy is highly desirable.
• Programming: Strong programming skills for data analysis and instrument interfacing.
• Soft Skills: A collaborative mindset suited for a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary lab environment and excellent technical writing ability.

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 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 employees’ health, life, career, and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

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 characteristic. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance, and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.

Pre‑Employment Information

If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre‑employment process, please contact the HR Business Services Office at [e-mail]. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit accessibility.jhu.edu.

Background Checks

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre‑employment background check including education verification.

EEO is the Law

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Vaccine Requirements

Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID‑19 vaccine. The COVID‑19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID‑19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid‑19‑vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health‑safety/covid‑vaccination‑information/. The following additional vaccine requirements may apply, depending upon your campus: pre‑employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre‑employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.