Nanometer-Scale Planar Reference Materials

The Material Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking qualified persons (U.S. citizens preferred) to join a team of researchers within the NIST/CHIPS Nanometer-Scale Planar Reference Materials project working with advanced metrology methods to characterize local physical and chemical properties and map any variation in these properties of thin, nanometer-scale films deposited on Si (and SiC) wafers.

The candidate will measure and analyze these wafers using X-ray and optical methods to determine, through hybrid metrology, structural maps for wafers with thin films of interest to the semiconductor community.

• Plan and conduct research on advanced X-ray metrologies to determine structural (physical and chemical) properties of blanket (non-patterned) thin films on Si and SiC wafers
• Use lab-based and synchrotron X-ray characterization methods, to determine the structural properties of thin film samples
• Use open-source (python) fitting methods to constrain structural models, determine uncertainties, and combine these properties into a hybrid metrology digital wafer
• Perform wafer dicing, cleaning, and packaging of samples for distribution as Research Grade Test Materials
• Publish results in archival scientific journals and present results at topical meetings

• Ph. D in physics, materials science, or another related field
• Background in X-ray measurement technique(s) required, either:
  • X-ray reflectivity, X-ray fluorescence, or X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
• Background in programming and/or data modeling using python recommended
• Familiarity with thin film deposition and clean room access protocols, preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills

This opportunity is for an associate researcher in the NIST Materials Measurement Science Division for a term of one year, with options to renew. Associate researchers are NOT Federal Employees, but they work along with 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.