Senior Research Scientist (PREP0004140)

Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University is seeking a PREP Research Associate to work on NIST's scientific research in nanocalorimetry. This role involves designing instruments to enhance measurement accuracy, contributing to semiconductor manufacturing research, and sharing findings through publications.

The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. and have extensive experience with LabVIEW and custom laboratory setups. This position is a 1-year term with opportunities for renewal.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field required.
• Experience building and maintaining custom laboratory instrumentation is necessary.
• Knowledge of thermal property measurements is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and assemble instrumentation for nanocalorimetry measurements.
• Characterize thermal properties of thin film materials.
• Publish research results and present at conferences.

Skills

LabVIEW programming

Custom laboratory instrumentation

Analogue circuit design

Nanofabrication processes

Calorimetry

Education

Ph.D. in materials science, physics, chemistry, or chemical engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

FPGA modules

Job description

PREP Research Associate

CHIPS Funded Project

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and therefore requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.

Research Title

Nanoscale Thermal Metrology Using Nanocalorimetry (U.S. Citizens Preferred)

Key Responsibilities

• Design and assemble new instrumentation to improve the accuracy, sensitivity, speed, and stability of nanocalorimetry measurements. Includes developing LabVIEW-based data acquisition systems, integrating new and existing hardware, and data analysis workflows.
• Perform measurements to characterize the thermal properties of thin film materials.
• Support parallel research efforts to utilize nanocalorimetry for in-situ monitoring of semiconductor manufacturing processes.
• Publish results in peer reviewed scientific journals and present results at scientific conferences.

Employment Terms: This opportunity is to be an associate researcher in the Materials Measurement Science Division for a term of 1 year, with options to renew. Associate researchers are not federal employees, but they work alongside 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. Participation requires signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to beginning work.

Salary: $90,000 to $100,000

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in materials science, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering or related field.
• Hands-on experience with building and maintaining custom laboratory instrumentation, including extensive experience with LabVIEW. Experience with FPGA modules preferred.
• Expertise in designing custom electronics, including PCB layout and analog circuit design.
• Knowledge of common nanofabrication processes. Experience working in cleanrooms a plus.
• Knowledge of thermal property measurements. Hands-on experience, or specialized knowledge of calorimetry preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work independently and in a team.

EEO is the Law. Information at https://www.eeoc.gov/employees-job-applicants