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Postdoc Thin Films Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

The postdoctoral position is part of the National Science Foundation funded 2D Crystal Consortium ... thin films is a plus. This position requires excellent organizational, time management and ...

The Pennsylvania State University

The team will pursue stand-alone thin films as well as layered stacks, as well as nanofabricated resonator structures. We seek a postdoctoral researcher who will pursue these project goals by ...

The Pennsylvania State University

... postdoc position in the areas of superconducting hybrid devices involving superconductors with ... The project requires fabrication of superconducting thin films using a HPCVD process ...

The Pennsylvania State University

The project involves fabrication of superconducting thin films using a HPCVD process ... For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.) CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME ...

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What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoc in Thin Films, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoc in Thin Films, you need a PhD in physics, materials science, or a related field, with expertise in thin film deposition, characterization, and analysis. Proficiency with technical tools such as sputtering systems, atomic layer deposition (ALD), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron microscopy, along with data analysis software like MATLAB or Origin, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and collaboration skills help you excel in multidisciplinary research environments. These competencies are essential to drive innovation, generate impactful research results, and contribute to the scientific community.

What are some common challenges faced by Postdoc researchers working on thin films, and how can they be addressed?

Postdoc researchers specializing in thin films often encounter challenges such as optimizing deposition techniques, ensuring reproducibility of film properties, and troubleshooting experimental equipment. Working with advanced characterization tools and maintaining cleanroom protocols can also be demanding. Collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams—such as materials scientists, engineers, and physicists—helps address these challenges by sharing expertise and problem-solving strategies. Regularly attending lab meetings and seeking mentorship from senior researchers can further support professional growth and successful project outcomes.

What are Postdoc Thin Films?

A Postdoc in Thin Films is a researcher who has completed their PhD and is conducting advanced research focused on thin film materials, which are extremely thin layers of material ranging from fractions of a nanometer to several micrometers in thickness. These researchers investigate the fabrication, properties, and applications of thin films, often working in fields such as materials science, physics, chemistry, or engineering. Their work is crucial in developing technologies for electronics, optics, energy devices, and more. Postdocs typically join universities, research institutes, or industry labs to gain additional experience and contribute to innovative projects.
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Infographic showing various Postdoc Thin Films job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Postdoctoral Scholar - AI-Assisted Physical Vapor Deposition of Thin Films

Postdoctoral Scholar - AI-Assisted Physical Vapor Deposition of Thin Films

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$84.34K - $94.02K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar - AI-Assisted Physical Vapor Deposition of Thin Films within the Molecular Foundry Division. This position will accelerate process development and exploration of nonlinear optical and superconducting materials heterostructures. The postdoc will be part of a collaborative team of researchers in the Molecular Foundry from the Inorganic Nanostructures, Data Science and Infrastructure, Imaging and Manipulation, and nanofabrication facilities. The postdoc will create thin film heterostructures combining nonlinear optical materials and superconductors and other functional and passivation layers essential for realization of quantum transducers.
Novel materials in thin-film form are essential to the progress of quantum technologies. Thin-film synthesis of nonlinear optical materials with high χ2 coefficients of particular interest as it will enable fabrication of quantum transducers. These are devices that enable controlled conversion of signal or excitation from one physical carrier to another and combine photonic and superconducting circuits in a monolithic device. The Molecular Foundry has acquired recently thin film deposition cluster tools aimed at synthesis of thin film materials stacks to enable integration of new functional layers in quantum devices. Of particular interest is integration of Lithium Niobate or other high χ2 material with superconductors. We are looking for a researcher with experience developing synthetic protocols using reactive sputtering and pulsed laser deposition and relevant materials and thin film characterization techniques.
You will:
  • Develop materials and/or fabrication processes for phononic and superconducting devices including details materials/device characterization
  • Collaborate with Foundry scientists on material development and tailoring of interfacial properties.
  • Present research results at national conferences and author publications.
  • Provide research support, assistance and instruction to other team members as needed.
  • Foster a culture of safety and actively promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Adhere to DOE and Berkeley Lab's safety guidelines and safety culture, and contribute to an inclusive and supportive work environment for all.

We are looking for:
  • Recent Ph.D. (within the last 3 years) in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science or a closely related field.
  • Demonstrated background in experimental research including collaborating on projects from initiation to conclusion, demonstrating creative problem-solving abilities.
  • Experience in any combination of the following areas:
    • Physical and chemical deposition of thin films (e.g. reactive sputtering, Pulsed laser deposition, ALD, e-beam evaporation, etc.)
    • Thin film characterization (e.g. x-ray diffractometry, optical microscopy, XPS, optical spectroscopy)
    • Analytical electron microscopy (TEM, STEM, EELS, etc.)
    • Nonlinear optical materials property measurements
    • Process development and optimization (nanofabrication and/or materials deposition)
  • Strong organizational skills including the ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and contribute to the planning of a scientific research program.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to organize technical/scientific information, write manuscripts, and present at conferences.
  • Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate with a diverse interdisciplinary research team.

Desired skills/knowledge:
  • Knowledge of photonic and/or superconducting materials and devices
  • Experience with electron based spectroscopic techniques such as EELS, EDS or Cathodoluminescence.
  • Background knowledge in materials or low temperature physics.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Python or another major programming language for data analysis and familiarity with machine learning approaches for data analysis.

Required Application Materials:
  • CV
  • Cover Letter describing applicant background and interest in the position)
  • Publication List

Additional information:
  • Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by April 15, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
  • Appointment type: This is a full-time 2 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
  • Salary range: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. The salary range for this position is $84,336 - $94,020. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.
  • Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
  • Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

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