Scientist - Materials Characterization

Location: Dayton

** Worker Type*
* Regular

** Job Description*
* The Materials Characterization Facility (MCF) is seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist to join our advanced microscopy team. This role is designed as a growth-oriented position, offering the unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of electron optics while receiving direct mentorship from senior research staff to develop world-class technical mastery.

The successful candidate will bridge the gap between high-end instrument operation and active research development, focusing on the characterization of advanced electronic devices and material defects. A key pillar of this role involves leveraging state-of-the-art software to develop automation routines that increase facility throughput and data precision.

** Key Responsibilities*
* ** 1. Advanced Electron Microscopy & Spectroscopy*
* +  
** Expert Operation:
** Provide primary technical support and high-level operation of Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM/STEM).

+  
** Analytical Spectroscopy:
** Execute and interpret complex chemical and structural analysis using  
** EDS
* * and  
** EELS** .

+  
** Device Characterization:
** Perform detailed analysis of electronic devices, specifically targeting defect characterization, interfacial phenomena, and dopant/strain mapping.

** 2. Precision Sample Preparation*
* +  
** FIB Operations:
** Utilize Focused Ion Beam (FIB) systems for the site-specific preparation of high-quality TEM lamellae.

+  
** Advanced Thinning:
** Master in-situ lift-out and precision thinning/cleaning protocols to ensure optimal samples for aberration-corrected imaging.

** 3. Automation & Digital Innovation*
* +  
** Routine Development:
** Develop and deploy custom automation routines using manufacturer APIs and scripting (e.g., Python, DM Script) to streamline data collection.

+  
** Software Integration:
** Leverage state-of-the-art software suites (e.g., Velox, GMS3) to implement high-throughput workflows.

+  
** Data Pipelines:
** Establish standardized processing pipelines to handle large datasets generated by high-speed detectors.

** 4. Research Partnership & Technique Development*
* +  
** Direct Research Support:
** Partner with the research team to develop novel analytical techniques tailored to specific materials of interest.

+  
** Methodology

Innovation:
** Transition from executing established protocols to authoring new ones for beam-sensitive or complex heterostructured material

** Mentorship & Career Growth*
* This position is structured to foster long-term professional development. The Staff Scientist will:

+ Partner with senior scientists to acquire specialized technical intuition in advanced TEM and aberration-corrected microscopy.

+ Be empowered to dedicate time to mastering new hardware, such as in-situ biasing or heating holders.

+ Grow into a technical leadership role within the facility, with opportunities for co-authorship on high-impact publications.

** Required Qualifications*
* + Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

+ Proven experience with TEM/STEM imaging and diffraction.

+ Functional knowledge of EDS and EELS data acquisition and quantification.

+ Hands-on experience with FIB-based TEM lamella preparation (lift-out).

+ Proficiency (or strong aptitude) in Python or similar scripting for data manipulation.

** Preferred Skills*
* +

Experience with electronic device failure analysis and defect engineering.

+ Familiarity with 4D-STEM or other emerging electron optic modalities.

+ Strong communication skills and a desire to work in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment.

** ITAR Requirement:*
* _This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR.  A "U.S. person" according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee.

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