Postdoctoral Fellow in Materials Science

Engineering a world of possibilities

National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program at Colorado School of Mines, postdoctoral fellow of Materials Science.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The National Institute of Standards (NIST) and Colorado School of Mines welcome applications for a postdoctoral fellow of Materials Science.This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

The position is focused on research and development of atom probe tomography (APT) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) techniques for metrology of AlN based semiconductors.  APT will be used with near ultraviolet (NUV) or deep ultraviolet (DUV) laser sources to measure semiconductor specimen compositions, including gradients and clustering of elements.  APT specimen shape, dimensions and chemical distributions will be assessed with TEM.  Electric field profiles adjacent semiconductor/contact interfaces will be determined with high lateral resolution from 4D STEM measurements.  Focused ion beam (FIB) specimen preparation for both types of measurements will be optimized.  Results will be communicated to collaborators and presented and/or published as appropriate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES will include but are not limited to:

• Research and develop scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) for metrology of AlN based semiconductor/contact interfaces and subsequent determination of adjacent electric field profiles. 

• Research and develop transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for characterization of atom probe tomography (APT) specimens to assess shape, dimensions and chemical distributions.

• Focused ion beam specimen preparation for TEM and APT measurements. 

• Research and develop atom probe tomography (APT) for metrology of AlN based semiconductors; measure specimen compositions, including gradients and clustering of elements. 

• Communicate and collaborate with team members.  Present and publish results as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, or a related field.

• Three or more years of experience with advanced scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) techniques.

• Familiarity with spatially resolved mapping of materials structure/composition.

• Knowledge of techniques for electron beam damage mitigation.

• Development and application of advanced STEM-EELS.

• Experience operating a scanning electron microscope.

• Familiarity with materials diffraction patterns.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

TOTAL REWARDS

$60,000 - $75,000 annual salary rate
 

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.
 

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:

• Flexible health and dental care options

• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.

• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution

• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)

• Free RTD Ecopass

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state of the art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.

HOW TO APPLY

Review of applications will begin on 2/25 and continue until filled. Applicants must complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status) and:

• Upload a resume or CV

• Letter of interest

Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States. References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made.

It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at  hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position. Contact Kathleen Feighny in HR with any questions at kfeighny@mines.edu.

ABOUT MINES AND GOLDEN, CO

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.

That size – roughly 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students – also translates to a close-knit campus community, where employees have opportunities to get involved in multiple ways, continued professional learning is valued and everyone can make an impact.

Community Alliance groups bring together employees for professional development, networking, cultural awareness and community involvement, and all Mines employees also have access to the wealth of activities happening every day on campus – nationally-renowned speakers, special events and Mines traditions like Engineering Days, just to name a few.

And don’t get us started on our hometown. We are located in the heart of Golden, Colorado --with its charming historic downtown and nearby hiking trails – and in close proximity to all that Denver and the Rocky Mountains have to offer. That includes the sunny, high-altitude climate and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities that make the Denver area an ideal place to live, work and play.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a community where our individual perspectives and experiences enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons.  Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.

In your application, please refer to Polytechnicpositions.com