Postdoctoral Researcher for Optical Diagnostics of Atomic Layer Deposition Processes

National Institute of Standards and Technology; Gaithersburg, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance optical diagnostics of ALD processes in the Chemical Sciences Division.

The role involves operating ALD systems, in situ optical measurements, data-driven transport modeling with CFD/ML, and dissemination of results through journals and conferences.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in chemistry, physics, materials science, or related field.
• Hands-on expertise in designing and assembling ALD reactors.
• Experience with in situ process diagnostics and optical setups.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.
• Safe operation and maintenance of ALD systems.

Responsibilities

• Operating and maintaining ALD systems and in situ optical setups.
• Performing temporally- and spatially-resolved optical measurements during ALD.
• Using and analyzing optical data to validate transport models.
• Publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at conferences.

Skills

ALD reactor design

Custom lab instrumentation

Vapor deposition knowledge

In situ process diagnostics

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in chemistry/physics/materials science

Tools

CFD software

Optical metrology equipment

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher for Optical Diagnostics of Atomic Layer Deposition Processes

The Material Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking qualified persons (U.S. citizens preferred) to join a multi-disciplinary team of scientists working on advanced modeling of atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes. The project will develop a suite of in situ metrology tools to quantify mass transport processes occurring during thermal ALD. Metrology data will support the development of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and machine learning (ML) models of transport and surface reaction processes.

Duties

• Operating and maintaining multiple ALD system and custom in situ optical setups
• Performing temporally- and spatially-resolved optical measurements during ALD
• Using and analyzing optical process data to validate transport models
• Publishing findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presenting at conferences

Required Skills, Expertise, and Qualifications

• Hands-on expertise in the design and assembly of research-grade ALD reactors
• Expertise in building and maintaining custom lab instrumentation
• Expertise in vapor phase deposition processes such as ALD
• Safe operation and maintenance of ALD systems
• Operation of in situ process diagnostics, including custom optical setups
• Knowledgeable in vapor transport mechanisms, precursor chemistry, and process development/optimization applicable to ALD
• Ph.D. or equivalent experience in chemistry, physics, materials science, or related field
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently

Other Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with CFD process modeling

Employment Terms

This opportunity is to be an associate researcher in the NIST Chemical Sciences Division for a term of 1 year, with options to renew. Associate researchers are NOT Federal Employees, but they work along with NIST researchers and with NIST’s world-class instrumentation. Relocation expenses will not be provided. U.S. citizens hired into associate positions may have the opportunity to seek longer term Federal Employment.

$80,000 to $105,000 per year, based on experience