Postdoctoral Researcher - Silicon Crystal Growth

National Laboratory of the Rockies; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 77,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

National Laboratory of the Rockies in Golden, CO, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Silicon Crystal Growth within the High Efficiency Crystalline Photovoltaics group. The role focuses on developing a new silicon boule growth method using float-zone technique combined with chemical vapor deposition and silane sources, with extensive materials characterization.

You will collaborate with CFD modeling and technoeconomic teams, present findings biweekly, and contribute to journal

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience in growth, characterization, and processing of materials; bulk crystal growth or epitaxy.
• Skills in metal machining, CAD drawing, system and parts design, and vacuum operation experience.
• Ability to interpret and assess experimental results and demonstrate a track record of success.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; self-starting attitude.

Responsibilities

• Develop a silicon boule float-zone system that incorporates silane CVD.
• Design, build, and test the crystal growth hardware and vacuum systems.
• Characterize grown materials for chemical purity and crystalline defects.
• Present data at team meetings and to project sponsors; contribute to publications.
• Collaborate with CFD modeling and technoeconomic teams to inform designs.

Skills

Materials growth

Vacuum system design

CAD drawing

Interpreting data

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Vacuum chambers

CFD modeling

Silane chemistry

CAD software

Job description

Posting Title

Postdoctoral Researcher - Silicon Crystal Growth

Location

CO - Golden

Position Type

Postdoc (Fixed Term)

Hours Per Week

40

Working at NLR

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth. At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

Job Description

This Postdoctoral Researcher position is within the High Efficiency Crystalline Photovoltaics group within the Materials Science Center at NLR. The group is made up of two teams that work on Silicon and III-V materials, the latter by hydride vapor phase epitaxy. The position focuses on developing a new way to grow silicon boules using a combined float-zone technique with chemical vapor deposition. The Postdoctoral Researcher will contribute to the designing and building of a new deposition system based on CFD modeling and use the system to grow single crystal boules of silicon from a silane gas source. This position will perform extensive characterization and analysis of the resulting materials. Primary duties involve the development of a new silicon boule float-zone system that incorporates silane chemical vapor deposition. The work will involve designing, building, and testing the crystal growth system involving vacuum hardware and chemical vapor deposition of silane gas. Duties also include characterization of the grown material for chemical purity and crystalline defects. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be expected to present data on the project at biweekly team meetings and to project sponsors. Journal publications are expected from this work. This position is expected to work closely with a computational fluid dynamic modeling team to optimize the design of the system as well as to work closely with a technoeconomic and lifecycle team to provide needed input to their models. NLR has a strong safety culture and the candidate is expected to adhere to and promote this culture. In addition, teamwork and collaboration define the modern scientific approach, and the Postdoctoral Researcher will be expected to collaborate, be open to new ideas, and recognize the contribution of others. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be expected to support a work environment that maximizes the unique talents and innovative ideas of every employee.

Basic Qualifications

• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical or Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in the growth, characterization, and/or processing of materials, and/or experience with bulk crystal growth, epitaxial growth, or growth of polycrystalline/amorphous thin films.
• Additional skills in metal machining, CAD drawing, system and parts design, and vacuum build and operation experience are valued.
• Qualified candidates must demonstrate skill in interpreting and assessing the experimental results of their own work and that of others and demonstrate a record of success from graduate and/or post-graduate work in this area.
• Good interpersonal, oral and written communication skills are essential for success in this role.
• A self-starting attitude and initiative are highly valued.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills and experience in the growth, characterization, and/or processing of silicon materials.
• Experience in mechanical design and building of vacuum chambers. Experience in silicon growth using silane gas.
• Familiarity with computational fluid dynamic, thermodynamic, or kinetic modeling.
• Strong publication record.

Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: Postdoctoral Researcher / Annual Salary Range: $76,600 - $126,400 NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short-term disability insurance*; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; and paid holidays. NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

• Based on eligibility rules

Badging Requirement

NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

Drug Free Workplace

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodations

E -Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.