Associate Research Scientist; PREP

General 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.

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

The Materials Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified persons (U.S. Citizens Preferred) to join a multi-disciplinary team of scientists working to advance the current state-of-the-art in nanocalorimetry-based measurements for monitoring of semiconductor manufacturing processes. This individual will work closely with the leaders of this multi-effort project but will personally be responsible for improving our measurement capabilities by making upgrades to existing hardware, software, and strategies for integrating the technique with plasma- and ALD-based tools used in semiconductor manufacturing.

• 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.

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 often 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.

Salary: $90,000 to $100,000.

• Ph.D. in materials science, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering or related field.
• Hands‑on experience with building and maintaining custom lab 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 clean rooms a plus.
• Knowledge of thermal property measurements. Hands‑on experience, or specialized knowledge of calorimetry preferred.
• Strong written & oral communication skills; ability to work independently and in a team.

Upload the following with your application:

• CV/Resume (limit to 3 pages only. Only include a valid email address for your contact info. Your resume will not be considered if the following information is included on your CV/resume.)
• Self portraits
• Phone number
• Home address/Country
• Citizenship status
• Languages spoken
• Sex/Gender

Privacy Act Statement Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g‑1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)

Purpose:

The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post‑bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty. PREP is a 5‑year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may…