PREP0004140 Nanocalorimetry Metrology Senior Researcher

Nanocalorimetry Metrology Senior Researcher

Project Description:

The Materials Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified persons to join a multi-disciplinary team of scientists working to advance the current state-of-the-art in nanocalorimetry-based measurements for monitoring of semiconductor manufacturing processes. This individual will work closely with the leaders of this multi-effort project but will personally be responsible for improving our measurement capabilities by making upgrades to existing hardware, software, and strategies for integrating the technique with plasma- and ALD-based tools used in semiconductor manufacturing. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Design and assemble new instrumentation to improve the accuracy, sensitivity, speed, and stability of nanocalorimetry measurements. Includes developing LabVIEW-based data acquisition systems, integrating new and existing hardware, and data analysis workflows
• Perform measurements to characterize the thermal properties of thin film materials
• Support parallel research efforts to utilize nanocalorimetry for in-situ monitoring of semiconductor manufacturing processes
• Publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present results at scientific conferences

Desired Qualifications: 

• U.S. Citizens Preferred
• Ph.D. in materials science, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field
• Hands-on experience with building and maintaining custom lab instrumentation, including extensive experience with LabVIEW.  Experience with FPGA modules preferred
• Expertise in designing custom electronics, including PCB layout and analog circuit design
• Knowledge of common nanofabrication processes. Experience working in cleanrooms a plus
• Knowledge of thermal property measurements. Hands-on experience or specialized knowledge of calorimetry preferred
• Strong written & oral communication skills; ability to work independently and in a team

Other Details:

• Full-time: the participant is expected to work 40 hours a week
• Location: the participant will work at the NIST Gaithersburg Campus.
• Duration: this is expected to be a one year position. Extensions are sometimes granted depending on the availability of funds