Thin Film Deposition Researcher

The Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a well-qualified researcher focused on thin film deposition and characterization. This position will be part of the Tritium and Fusion Materials department but will work with many different groups. The researcher will work with magnetron sputtering, atomic layer deposition, and chemical vapor deposition systems for creating thin films. The candidate will also characterize thin films using SEM, EBSD, XRD, profilometry, and ellipsometry.

The candidate should be very familiar with ultra-high vacuum technology and practices, with hand‑on approach to troubleshooting such systems. The researcher will also operate hydrogen permeation test apparatuses.

Beyond experimental research, the researcher will be responsible for documenting results, contributing toward presentations and manuscripts for peer‑reviewed journals, collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, mentorship of students, and contribution to proposal development will also be expected.

The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively both alone and as a team member. The candidate must be self‑motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers.

• Develop experimental requirements.
• Use best practices in design methodologies to develop and validate designs.
• Document designs to ensure conformance with requirements and standards.
• Establish testing and quality requirements.
• Perform integrated analyses to meet experimental and safety requirements.
• Defend analytical methods and results in reviews.
• Support project/program interactions with sponsors, operations, and engineering organizations.
• Develop and improve physics‑based mathematical models and analysis methods.
• Prepare reports and peer‑reviewed publications.
• Represent programs through technical presentations and at conferences.
• Participate in professional development activities.
• Perform analyses of experiments and conduct research supporting nuclear processes.

• Use scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Understanding of chemical composition, structure, properties, and processes.
• Capable of finding solutions to achieve desired experimental outcomes.
• Apply general rules to specific problems.
• Combine pieces of information to form conclusions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Level 2:
  Advanced degree in Materials science, Chemical engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Engineering Physics, Engineering Science, or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET.
• Level 3:
  Advanced degree in Materials science, Chemical engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Engineering Physics, Engineering Science, or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET, and 2 years of relevant experience.
• Previous hands‑on experience with at least one of the following: magnetron sputtering, atomic layer deposition, chemical vapor deposition.
• Significant hand‑on experience with ultra‑high vacuum technology.

• Advanced degree in Nuclear Engineering or a directly related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET.
• Experience in nuclear fuels and materials, reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, core design, and analysis tools/methods.

• While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job‑related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance.
  
  Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Thin Film Deposition Researcher to work on our Tritium and Fusion Materials team. This position will work a 9×80 schedule located out of the Energy Innovation Laboratory on our Idaho Falls campus with every other Friday off.

• The pay range for this position is:
  Level 2 ($79,344 - $162,732) / Level 3 ($95,256 - $195,288). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• Multi‑Level: This is a multi‑level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.