PostDoctoral Fellow (PREP0004546)

Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University is seeking a qualified candidate for a research position focusing on reliability testing of wide bandgap semiconductor power devices.

The role involves building testing circuits, evaluating dielectric breakdown, and performing power cycling measurements. Applicants should hold a master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering with relevant experience and a strong desire to collaborate.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of relevant experience, including graduate research work.
• A strong desire to collaborate with other researchers and be involved in various related projects.

Responsibilities

• Build and characterize dynamic testing circuits for power devices.
• Evaluate dielectric breakdown using AC gate stress testing.
• Perform advanced power cycling measurements for thermal stress evaluation.
• Present results at meetings and conferences.
• Write peer-reviewed journal articles.

Skills

Proficiency in PCB layout and circuit simulations

Data analysis techniques using Python or MATLAB

Strong oral and written communication skills

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

About the Position

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and thus requires that such institutions be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

Research Title

Reliability testing of wide bandgap semiconductor power devices

Key Responsibilities

• Build and fully characterize one or more dynamic testing circuits for stress‑testing of power devices, such as GaN HEMTs, under voltage or current transients.
• Evaluate dielectric breakdown at interfaces using AC gate stress testing under realistic loads.
• Perform advanced power cycling measurements to evaluate thermal stress and packaging failures.
• Present results at internal and external meetings and conferences.
• Write peer‑reviewed journal articles on novel and important research findings.

Qualifications

• A master’s or Ph.D. degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience, including graduate research work.
• Proficiency in PCB layout and circuit simulations and modeling.
• Familiarity with data analysis techniques and mathematical computations using programming tools such as Python or MATLAB.
• A strong desire to collaborate with other researchers and be involved on various related projects.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

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, including the candidate’s geographic location, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors, as reasonably determined by the University.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 characteristics. 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 or demographic characteristics that are irrelevant to the program involved.

Background Checks

After receiving a conditional offer, the successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre‑employment background check including education verification. When deciding whether a candidate’s conviction history is job‑disqualifying, the University considers the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the nature of the job being sought.

EEO is the Law

https://www.eeoc.gov/employees-job-applicants

Vaccine Requirements

Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID‑19 vaccine. 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. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine.

Health and Safety

The pre‑employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella, Rubeola, Mumps, Varicella, Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap vaccination. This may include documentation of having two MMR vaccines; two 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 candidates who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own healthcare providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.