Optical Process Engineer Jobs in Frederick, MD (NOW HIRING)

Description
PREP Research Associate
CHIPS Funded Project.
This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
Research Title:
Digital Twins for Atomic Layer Deposition Processes
The work will entail:
The Chemical Sciences Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join a multi-disciplinary team of scientists working on advanced modeling of atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes. The project will develop a suite of in situ metrology tools to quantify mass transport processes occurring during thermal ALD. Metrology data will support the development of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and machine learning (ML) models of transport and surface reaction processes, with the ultimate goal of producing validated digital twins for thermal ALD processes. The project team includes experts in vapor phase deposition processes, in situ optical metrology, micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) design, numerical modeling, and machine learning. NIST maintains unique facilities for the development and application of fast and sensitive in situ diagnostics for vapor phase deposition processes. Multiple research-grade ALD systems dedicated to oxide, metal, and sulfide film deposition are available, as well as optical measurements spanning the UV and mid-IR wavelengths tailored for surface and gas-phase processes.
U.S. Citizen Preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
• Operating and maintaining multiple ALD system and custom in situ optical setups
• Performing temporally- and spatially-resolved optical measurements during ALD
• Using and analyzing optical process data to validate transport models
• Publishing findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presenting at conferences
Qualifications
• Hands-on expertise in the design and assembly of research-grade ALD reactors
• Expertise in building and maintaining custom lab instrumentation
• Expertise in vapor phase deposition processes such as ALD
• Safe operation and maintenance of ALD systems
• Operation of in situ process diagnostics, including custom optical setups
• Knowledgeable in vapor transport mechanisms, precursor chemistry, and process development/optimization applicable to ALD
• Ph.D. or equivalent experience in chemistry, physics, materials science, or related field
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently
Application Instructions
Please upload the following with your application:
• CV/Resume
*Please limit C.V to 3 pages only and ONLY include a valid email address for your contact info. Your resume will not be considered if the following information is included on your CV/resume.
• Self portraits
• Phone number
• Home address/Country
• Citizenship status
• Languages spoken
• Sex/Gender
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 the 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. By applying to a CHIPS-funded PREP opportunity, you also acknowledge that participation in the project requires signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to beginning any work.