ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Postdoctoral Position Scanning Probe Microscopy Jobs

Harvard University

Open Postdoctoral Position

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$68K - $95K/yr

Position Details Title Open Postdoctoral Position School Faculty of Arts and Sciences Department ... Ideally, the candidate will have experience with bacterial husbandry, cloning, genetics, microscopy ...

Bryn Mawr College

Position Title: Science Instrument Specialist, Physics Bryn Mawr College: Science Support Services ... Operate andmaintainscanning probe equipment such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) or scanning ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsPostdoctoral Position Scanning Probe Microscopy Jobs

Postdoctoral Position Scanning Probe Microscopy information

See salary details

$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do postdoctoral position scanning probe microscopy jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral position scanning probe microscopy in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Postdoctoral Position in Scanning Probe Microscopy?

A Postdoctoral Position in Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) is a temporary research role for individuals who have recently completed their PhD and want to further specialize in SPM techniques. These positions typically involve conducting advanced experiments, developing new methods, and analyzing data using techniques like atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Postdocs work closely with faculty supervisors and often mentor students, contribute to publications, and present findings at conferences. The goal is to deepen expertise in the field and prepare for independent research or academic careers.

What are some typical challenges faced by postdoctoral researchers working with scanning probe microscopy (SPM), and how can they be addressed?

Postdoctoral researchers in scanning probe microscopy often encounter challenges such as instrument calibration, maintaining ultra-high vacuum or controlled environments, and interpreting complex data sets. These challenges can be mitigated through hands-on training, collaborating closely with experienced team members, and regularly participating in research group meetings to discuss troubleshooting strategies. Additionally, staying updated on the latest SPM techniques and software tools can help streamline experiments and data analysis. Open communication with colleagues from other disciplines (e.g., materials science, physics, chemistry) is also valuable for resolving experimental issues and broadening research perspectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Scanning Probe Microscopy, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM), you need advanced knowledge of nanoscience or materials science, a relevant PhD, and hands-on experience with SPM techniques such as AFM or STM. Proficiency in using and maintaining SPM instruments, data analysis software, and sometimes programming languages like Python or MATLAB is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate research findings effectively are crucial soft skills. These competencies enable researchers to design experiments, analyze complex nanoscale data, and contribute valuable insights to interdisciplinary scientific teams.
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Position Scanning Probe Microscopy job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 21% Temporary, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

NIST PREP Scanning Probe Instrumentation and Metrology Specialist

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

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: Scanning probe instrumentation and metrology specialist
The work will entail: This work is on the frontier of experimental condensed matter physics, and combines several experimental modalities, including scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic force microscopy, electron transport, and electron spin resonance. For more information about the group, see: https://www.nist.gov/pml/nanoscale-device-characterization-division/nanoscale-processes-and-measurements-group/scanning.
U.S. Citizen Preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Develop novel and cutting-edge instrumentation for scanning probe microscopy.
  • Support ongoing operations of scanning probe microscopy experiments.
  • Presenting results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders.
  • Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization.

Qualifications
  • A PhD degree in experimental condensed matter physics, or a related field.
  • Five years of experience in designing and building scanning tunneling microscopes (STM) and atomic force microscopes (AFM) operating in ultra-low temperatures (10 mK), ultra-high vacuum (UHV), and high magnetic fields (0-15 T). This experience should include the following sub-fields:
  1. Building piezo-electric motors and piezo-electric scanners operating from 10 mK to 300 K.
  2. Designing and building multi-contact sample and probe holders.
  3. Assembling AFM qPlus sensors.
  4. Preparation of atomically sharp probe tips for STM and AFM measurements.
  5. Characterization and treatment of STM probe tips by using a field ion microscope (FIM).
  6. Detailing wiring of STM and AFM modules with thorough documentation of assembly and wiring details.
  7. Experience in testing and debugging STM and AFM instruments with respect to electrical and vibrational noise.
  • Five years of experience in integrating multi-modal measurements in a single system, including STM, AFM, and electrical transport measurements in a single system operating at ultra-low temperatures and in UHV.
  • Five years of experience in the design and construction of cryogenic preamplifiers for STM and AFM measurements.
  • Five years of experience in designing and building UHV vacuum chambers and UHV transfer systems.
  • Five years of experience in the wiring and operation of dilution refrigerators.
  • Five years of experience in building gas handling systems for dilution refrigerators.
  • Five years of experience in design, fabrication, and testing of Radio Frequency (RF) filters to operate in a dilution refrigerator at ultra-low temperatures and in UHV.
  • Five years of experience in molecular beam epitaxy growth of materials, including 2D materials, van der Waals materials, and superconductor materials.
  • Research experience in 2D materials, including graphene-based heterostructures and related materials, with at least one related publication.
  • Research experience in superconducting materials with at least one related publication.
  • Five years of experience in developing and programming LabVIEW VIs for spectroscopic mapping of STM and AFM measurements on the Nanonis SPM control system platform.
  • Five years of experience in developing and programming LabVIEW VIs for instrument control, including dilution refrigerator and superconducting magnet systems.
  • Five years of experience in Python programming for instrumentation control and data analysis.
  • Five years of experience in 3D CAD design using Creo Elements Direct Modeling software.
  • Five years of experience in maintaining helium recovery systems and in the operation and maintenance of helium liquefiers.
  • Five years of experience in handling cryogens, including liquid helium transfer.
  • Five years of experience in 2D and 3D scientific illustration for publication in journals and public media.

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 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.
PREP0004165

Apply