Postdoctoral Appointee - In-Situ Optical Diagnostics Semiconductor Materials Research, Onsite

Postdoctoral Appointee - In-Situ Optical Diagnostics for Semiconductor Materials Research, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting‑edge work in a broad array of areas.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to support research in in‑situ laser probe characterization. In this role, you will plan and perform experiments; install, repair, and maintain diagnostic tools; and collect and analyze data aimed at controlling atomic‑scale defect populations in wide‑gap semiconductors. You will contribute to the design and characterization efforts needed to advance experimental research, publish results in peer‑reviewed journals, present findings at local and national conferences, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across Sandia National Laboratories to develop new research opportunities and projects.

• Plan and perform experiments, install, repair, and maintain diagnostic tools, and collect and analyze data with the goal of controlling atomic‑scale defect populations in wide‑gap semiconductors.
• Perform the design and characterization necessary to support projects or experiments.
• Publish journal articles and present work at local and national conferences.
• Interact and collaborate with other inter‑disciplinary research groups within Sandia National Laboratories to develop new research opportunities and projects.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical/Materials Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field, conferred within 5 years prior to employment.
• Experience designing and building optical systems.
• Experience with laser pump‑probe imaging, velocimetry techniques such as direct imaging, photon Doppler velocimetry, and/or VISAR, and/or non‑commercial spectroscopy.
• Experience with materials characterization techniques such as photoluminescence spectroscopy, electron microscopy, plasma diagnostics, and/or measurement of thermodynamic and transport properties.
• Record of publishing results in peer‑reviewed journals and presenting at scientific and/or technical conferences.
• Conversational understanding of physics and materials science.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.

• Experience with sensors (IR/UV cameras, pyrometers, thermal imaging cameras, high‑speed cameras, electron detectors, etc.) and analysis of spectroscopic data.
• Experience with data analytics, electromagnetic field modelling, and image processing (ImageJ, COMSOL, C++, MATLAB, Python preferred).
• Background in heat and mass transport theory at the particle and microstructural scale.
• Experience determining equations of state from material shock response.
• A desire to collaborate with industry and facilitate technology transfer.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The Advanced Metal Processing Department and Rapid Development Machine Shop provide scientific and engineering expertise in the areas of advanced manufacturing, metal additive manufacturing, and laser machining/surface modification. Our staff supports a variety of programs and is highly engaged in providing collaborative, innovative materials science and systems‑based engineering solutions.

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the posting date. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. Sandia conducts a pre‑employment drug test and background review covering personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class under state or federal law.