Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004360)

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 78,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Total rewards package including health, life, and retirement benefits

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the National Institute of Standards and Technology in advancing optical metrology for semiconductor processes. This role involves leadership in experimental setups and the analysis of molecular spectroscopy data, with an emphasis on using EO frequency combs. A Ph.D. in a relevant field is required, along with programming skills in Python and experience in optical measurements. The position offers competitive compensation ranging from $78,000 to $89,000.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field required.
• Proven experience with optical measurements is essential.
• Direct experience with frequency combs or molecular spectroscopy is highly desirable.
• Strong programming skills for data analysis and instrument interfacing needed.
• Excellent technical writing ability and collaboration skills expected.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of EO frequency comb spectrometers.
• Execute time-resolved molecular spectroscopy experiments.
• Build tools for signal processing and data analysis.
• Author high-impact manuscripts and represent research at conferences.

Skills

Optical measurements

Frequency combs experience

Programming for data analysis

Technical writing

Collaboration in multidisciplinary teams

Education

Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Optical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Python

Job description

Salary

Salary: $78,000 - $89,000

Organization

Johns Hopkins University: Whiting School of Engineering: Office of Research and Translation

Position Overview

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. The role supports collaboration with the Johns Hopkins University and is focused on advancing optical metrology for semiconductor processes.

Research Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate: Advanced Optical Metrology for Semiconductor Processes

U.S. Citizen Preferred

The work will entail

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. Your work will directly impact the next generation of microelectronics by quantifying the partial pressures of deposition precursors and reaction byproducts 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; analyze complex data sets by fitting experimental spectra to molecular databases (e.g., 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.
• U.S. Citizen Preferred

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. 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.

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