NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Metrology of AlN Based Semiconductors

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

The position is focused on research and development of atom probe tomography (APT) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) techniques for metrology of wide- and ultrawide-bandgap semiconductors.  APT will be used with near ultraviolet (NUV) or deep ultraviolet (DUV) laser sources to measure semiconductor specimen compositions, including gradients and clustering of elements.  APT specimen shape, dimensions and chemical distributions will be assessed with TEM.  Focused ion beam (FIB) specimen preparation for both types of measurements will be optimized.  Results will be communicated to collaborators and presented and/or published as appropriate.

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Research and develop scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and related spectroscopies for metrology of semiconductor materials and contact interfaces.
• Research and develop transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for characterization of atom probe tomography (APT) specimens to assess shape, dimensions and chemical distributions.
• Focused ion beam specimen preparation for TEM and APT measurements.
• Research and develop atom probe tomography (APT) for metrology of semiconductors; measure specimen compositions, including gradients and clustering of elements.
• Communicate and collaborate with team members. Present and publish results as appropriate.

Qualifications

• A PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, or a related field.
• Three or more years of experience with advanced scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) techniques.
• Experience with atom probe tomography (APT), including sample preparation, tool operation, and data analysis.
• Knowledge of techniques for electron beam damage mitigation.
• Development and application of advanced STEM-EELS.
• Experience operating a focused ion beam (FIB) and scanning electron microscope (SEM).
• Familiarity with materials diffraction patterns.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Privacy Act Statement
Authority:  15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose:  The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the  Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor’s degree holders, graduate students, master’s degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses:  NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices:  NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure:  Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.

SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.

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