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:
Numerical modeling for nano-to-microscale thermo-mechanical measurements (Candidates must be eligible to obtain a Department of Commerce background check for facility access.)
The work will entail:
The Materials Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified persons (U.S. Citizens Preferred) to perform finite element analysis and simulations related to nanoscale and microscale material property measurements based on atomic force microscopy and instrumented indentation. This work will focus primarily on numerical modeling of nanoscale and microscale thermomechanical tests on materials and heterogeneous structures used in advanced packaging of microelectronics.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Perform finite element analyses to model the thermo-mechanical behavior of materials and structures at the micro- and nano-scale
- Research and develop theoretical models for the analysis of temperature-dependent micro/nanomechanical behavior of materials and heterogeneous structures at elevated temperatures. As needed, refine these models based on data from AFM and nanoindentation experiments.
- Publish results in peer reviewed scientific journals and present results at scientific conferences.
Required Skills, Expertise and Qualifications:
- PhD in Materials Science or related field.
- Advanced knowledge and experience with finite element methods/multiscale modelling, particularly related to nano/microscale contact mechanics. Experience writing software and/or using python scripting to speed up/automate simulation workflows.
- Experience with computational materials research, particularly in the validation of experimental results or extraction of materials properties from complex experimental data.
- Knowledge of AFM and/or nanoindentation experiments. Hands on experience preferred.
- Knowledge of materials commonly used in BEOL layers and interconnects of microelectronic devices, particularly those used in hybrid bonding processes.
- Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.