Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas State University; San Marcos (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Ultrawide Bandgap Semiconductor Lab in San Marcos, Texas. The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge research on UWBG materials such as diamond and III-nitrides, focusing on thin-film growth and device fabrication. The role requires a Ph.D. in a related field, strong experimental skills, and a commitment to high-quality research. This temporary position offers opportunities for collaboration and publication, with applications accepted until filled.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. completed within the last 2 years or expected within the next 3 months.
• Strong background in semiconductor materials and heterointerface engineering.
• Knowledge of semiconductor processing and materials characterization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on UWBG semiconductor materials focusing on heteroepitaxial growth.
• Investigate thermal management strategies in high-power electronic devices.
• Develop and optimize thin-film growth techniques for next-generation devices.

Skills

Semiconductor materials growth

Heterointerface engineering

Thin-film growth

Data analysis using MATLAB/Python

Hands-on laboratory experience

Research productivity

Problem-solving skills

Collaboration in multidisciplinary environments

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics

Tools

COMSOL Multiphysics

CVD

PLD

MBE

Laser processing

Job description

Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Posting Number: 2026109NTL

Job Location: San Marcos

College/Division: College of Science and Engineering

Department/School: Ingram School of Engineering

Position Description

Texas State University is a doctoral-granting institution with high research activity, dedicated to advancing innovation and expanding the frontiers of research. Our Ultrawide Bandgap Semiconductor (UWBG) lab focuses on developing next-generation UWBG materials and process technologies based on diamond, III-nitrides, and Ga₂O₃ for high-power, high-frequency, and extreme-environment electronics. Our research integrates advanced thin-film growth, laser-based processing, doping strategies, and interface engineering to enable energy-efficient, radiation-hardened, and thermally robust electronic systems, with applications spanning power electronics, space systems, and national defense technologies.

Position Overview

Under the Nathinal Science Foundation and Department of Defense grants, we are seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our UWBG Semiconductor Lab. The successful candidate will work on cutting-edge research projects focused on ultrawide bandgap materials (e.g., diamond, III-nitrides, and Ga₂O₃), advancing next-generation electronic devices through innovations in thin film epitaxy, doping, interface engineering, and laser-based processing to achieve superior performance, thermal management, and energy efficiency in high-power and high-frequency applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on ultrawide bandgap (UWBG) semiconductor materials (e.g., diamond, III-nitrides, Ga₂O₃), focusing on heteroepitaxial growth, doping, defect engineering, and thermal management.
• Investigate thermal transport, interface engineering, and heat dissipation strategies in high-power and high-frequency electronic devices through experimental and modeling approaches.
• Develop and optimize thin-film growth and processing techniques (e.g., CVD, PLD, sputtering, laser annealing) for next-generation semiconductor devices.
• Perform primarily experimental research, with a smaller component involving materials modeling and atomistic simulations to support and interpret experimental results.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team spanning materials science, electrical engineering, and device physics.
• Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at leading academic and industry conferences.
• Assist the PI in research proposal development for federal funding agencies and mentor graduate and undergraduate students and support their research and professional development.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field, completed within the last 2 years or expected within the next 3 months.
• Strong background in semiconductor materials growth physics and heterointerface engineering, particularly in UWBG materials (e.g., diamond, III-nitrides, Ga₂O₃) or related areas.
• Knowledge of thin-film growth & characterization, semiconductor processing, and materials characterization techniques (e.g., CVD, PLD, MBE, laser processing, structural/electrical/optical/thermal characterization).
• Modeling, Programming and data analysis skills using tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics, MATLAB, Python, or similar scientific computing platforms.
• Hands-on experimental experience in laboratory settings, including instrumentation, materials processing/characterization, and lab safety components.
• Familiarity with materials modeling or atomistic simulation methods (e.g., molecular dynamics, DFT) is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment with strong written and oral communication skills in English.
• Proven record of research productivity, evidenced by publications in reputable journals and conference proceedings.
• Strong problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and a commitment to high-quality research and career growth.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in semiconductor device fabrication, thin-film growth, and materials characterization, particularly for ultrawide bandgap (UWBG) materials such as diamond, III-nitrides, and Ga₂O₃.
• Familiarity with materials modeling or atomistic simulations (e.g., molecular dynamics, DFT) to complement experimental work.
• Experience with laser-based processing, interface engineering, or thermal management in high-power electronic devices.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute research projects, analyze results, and publish in high-impact journals.

Application Procedures

Only applications submitted through the Texas State university website will be accepted and considered. To ensure full consideration, please submit the following by May 15, 2026. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified:

• A cover letter detailing their research interests and relevant experience.
• A current curriculum vitae (CV).
• A statement of research plan/interest
• Unofficial Transcripts (all in one document).
• Copies of up to three representative publications.

The selected candidate will need to provide official transcripts from all degree-granting universities.

Type of Position: Temporary Full-Time or Part-Time

Posting Date: 04/24/2026

Review Date : 05/15/2026

Open Until Filled?: Yes

Legal Notices

Texas State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in employment, educational programs, and activities and admissions. Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.

Record Checks and Verifications:

Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.

Eligibility for Employment:

In accordance with federal law, all new employees must complete the Form I-9 and provide acceptable documentation verifying their identity and authorization to work in the United States. Texas State University participates in E-Verify, and employment is contingent upon the successful verification of work authorization. Employees are required to maintain valid work authorization to satisfy the conditions of Form I-9 at all times during their employment and the university makes no implicit or explicit promises to financially support visa or permanent residency applications.