Staff Scientist, Nanofabrication for Microelectronics

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 312,000; Full time

Job summary

The Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory seeks a Staff Scientist to lead a research program in microelectronics and nanofabrication, bridging precision materials synthesis with automated data infrastructure. The role includes developing a world-class user program and advancing next‑generation CMOS-focused materials and processing.

Responsibilities include leveraging class 100 cleanroom tools, publishing high-impact work, and mentoring students and postdocs while maintaining

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering or related nanofabrication field.
• At least 5 years of experience in nanofabrication, including 3 years in microelectronics fabrication.
• Ability to provide users with hands-on support and expert knowledge in nanofabrication.
• Excellence in verbal and written communication and cross-group collaboration.
• Demonstrated productivity in nanoscale materials research with publications or patents.
• Ability to carry out independent research in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment.
• Knowledge of lithography and etching tools and related processes.
• Commitment to laboratory safety and safe working practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead a robust independent research program aligned with nanofabrication themes.
• Utilize available nanofabrication tools in our class 100 cleanroom for academic and industrial users.
• Develop functional materials for CMOS and beyond with sub-10nm patterning.
• Explore optical patterning and advanced lithography techniques for future devices.
• Integrate data, materials characterization, and device performance for ML-ready datasets.
• Build a thriving, multidisciplinary user program and provide expert user support.
• Share in tool operations, maintenance, and development of new methods/recipes.
• Collaborate with Foundry staff and energy science groups to advance microelectronics goals.
• Publish findings and present at conferences; mentor students and postdocs.
• Maintain safe working environment and promote safety culture.
• Foster multidisciplinary collaboration and excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Oral & Written Communication

Research strategy

User outreach

Grant sourcing

Education

PhD or equivalent in physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering

Tools

Reactive Ion Etching

Atomic Layer Deposition

Electron Beam Evaporation

Sputtering

Electron Beam Lithography

Ultra High Vacuum Systems

Job description

The Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory seeks a Staff Scientist to lead a research program in microelectronics and nanofabrication, bridging precision materials synthesis with automated data infrastructure. The role includes developing a world-class user program and advancing next‑generation CMOS-focused materials and processing.

Responsibilities include leveraging class 100 cleanroom tools, publishing high-impact work, and mentoring students and postdocs while maintaining