Assistant Research Scientist; PREP

General Description

Salary: $60,000–$100,000 a year

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). The PREP program brings research staff and academic institutions together on collaborative projects. The Research Engineering Technician will support a multidisciplinary team working to advance nondestructive defect detection metrology for advanced semiconductor packaging. Responsibilities include developing reference artifacts and benchmark datasets, performing sample preparation, executing destructive (FIB/SEM) and nondestructive (XCT) measurements, designing CAD models, running XCT simulations, performing XCT reconstructions, and creating a Python script or package to automate these processes.

The incumbent will analyze the resulting measurements, perform image processing, and extract meaningful information to support research goals. The datasets will be used to evaluate defect detection and image segmentation algorithms, including those based on deep learning principles. The role also involves organizing, preparing, and publishing datasets, communicating results to the team, and presenting findings at internal meetings and with external stakeholders.

• Prepare samples for focused ion beam or scanning electron microscopy measurements
• Make X-ray computed tomography or laminography measurements
• Design 3‑D models for simulation, run XCT simulations, carry out XCT reconstruction, and execute image analysis
• Organize and prepare data sets for publication
• Present results at internal meetings and occasional meetings with external stakeholders
• Ensure that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization

• At least a bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, or a related discipline
• At least 5 years of relevant experience
• Experience with XCT measurements, reconstruction, and image analysis (XCT simulation experience is a plus)
• Experience with sample preparation, FIB, and SEM
• Experience with the image segmentation process using commercial software or an open‑source tool
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new fields or techniques

U.S. Citizen preferred.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. The Institute 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 any other legally protected characteristic. Qualified individuals are provided access to all programs, benefits and activities on the basis of ability, performance and merit, without regard to personal or demographic characteristics that are irrelevant to the program involved.