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X Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Finishing Engineer

Greensburg, IN · On-site

$94K - $124K/yr

... , X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE). • Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and ...

Operating ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems e.g. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Secondary Electron Yield (SEY). * Preparing written reports, and presenting results in technical meetings and ...

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What is X Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)?

X Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) is a surface-sensitive analytical technique used to measure the elemental composition, chemical state, and electronic state of materials. It works by irradiating a material with X-rays, which causes electrons to be emitted from the surface. By analyzing the energy of these emitted electrons, scientists can determine what elements are present and their chemical environment. XPS is widely used in materials science, chemistry, and engineering for surface analysis of solids.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) Specialist, and why are they important?

To excel as an X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) Specialist, a strong background in physics, chemistry, or materials science—often at the graduate level—is essential. Familiarity with XPS instruments, data analysis software (such as CasaXPS), and laboratory safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for interpreting results and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure accurate material characterization, reliable data interpretation, and productive research or industrial outcomes.

What is the difference between X Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy vs X Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy?

AspectX Ray Photoelectron SpectroscopyX Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Primary UseAnalyzes surface elemental composition and chemical statesDetermines bulk elemental composition and trace elements
Work EnvironmentLaboratories with surface analysis equipmentLaboratories and industrial settings for bulk analysis
CredentialsRequires knowledge of surface chemistry and spectroscopyRequires understanding of fluorescence and elemental detection

Both X Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and X Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy are vital in materials analysis. X Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy focuses on surface chemistry, while X Ray Fluorescence provides bulk elemental data. Understanding their differences helps in selecting the right technique for specific research or industrial needs.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) in a laboratory setting?

Professionals working with X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy often encounter challenges such as maintaining instrument calibration, preventing sample contamination, and interpreting complex spectra. Since XPS is sensitive to surface chemistry, even minor contaminants can skew results, requiring meticulous sample preparation and handling. Additionally, troubleshooting instrument issues and staying current with evolving software and analytical techniques are important aspects of the role. Collaboration with chemists, material scientists, and engineers is common, as XPS data often supports interdisciplinary research and development projects.
Infographic showing various X Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution.

NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Nanometer-Scale Planar Reference Materials

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$85K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 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: Nanometer-Scale Planar Reference Materials (U.S. Citizens Preferred)
The work will entail: The Material Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified persons (U.S. Citizens preferred) to join a team of researchers within the NIST/CHIPS Nanometer-Scale Planar Reference Materials project working with advanced metrology methods to characterize local physical and chemical properties and map any variation in these properties of thin, nanometer-scale films deposited on Si (and SiC) wafers. The candidate will measure and analyze these wafers using X-ray and optical methods to determine, through hybrid metrology, structural maps for wafers with thin films of interest to the semiconductor community.
U.S. Citizen Preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Plan and conduct research on advanced X-ray metrologies to determine structural (physical and chemical) properties of blanket (non-patterned) thin films on Si and SiC wafers
  • Use lab-based and synchrotron X-ray characterization methods, to determine the structural properties of thin film samples
  • Use open-source (python) fitting methods to constrain structural models, determine uncertainties, and combine these properties into a hybrid metrology digital wafer
  • Perform wafer dicing, cleaning, and packaging of samples for distribution as Research Grade Test Materials
  • Publish results in archival scientific journals and present results at topical meetings

Qualifications
  • PhD in physics, materials science, or another related field
  • Background in X-ray measurement technique(s) required, either:
    • X-ray reflectivity, X-ray fluorescence, or X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
  • Background in programming and/or data modeling using python recommended.
  • Familiarity with thin film deposition and clean room access protocols, preferred
  • Strong oral and written communication skills

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 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.
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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