Assistant Research Scientist; PREP

Role Overview

PREP Research Associate – CHIPS Funded Project. The position is part of NIST’s Professional Research Experience Program (PREP), supporting collaborative research between NIST and academic institutions. Individuals in this role will perform technical work related to film growth, characterization, and analysis of piezoelectric materials.

• Thin film growth by reactive magnetron sputtering (including monitoring and optimization)
• Chemical and structural characterization of thin films using X‑ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and scanning probe microscopy
• Measurement, interpretation, and analysis of electrical and electromechanical properties of piezoelectric materials
• Preparation of publishable results for peer‑reviewed journals, project reports, and conference presentations
• Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory techniques and research practices
• Co‑authorship and proposal drafting for funding opportunities
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary partners on device prototyping and reporting

• B.S. in materials science and engineering or a related field with emphasis on semiconductor devices, functional ceramics, or related topics
• Basic experience using laboratory equipment and materials characterization techniques (XRD, TEM, SEM, etc.)
• Laboratory safety training
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English

• Experience in RF magnetron sputtering and thin‑film growth
• Advanced diffraction analysis (rocking curve, pole figure, reciprocal space mapping)
• Measurement of piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties
• Characterization of RF resonator devices
• Electrical analysis using probe stations

U.S. Citizen preferred.

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. The university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors or demographic characteristics that are irrelevant to the program involved.

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