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:
Digital Twins for Atomic Layer Deposition Processes
The work will entail:
The Chemical Sciences Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join a multi-disciplinary team of scientists working on advanced modeling of atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes. The project will develop a suite of in situ metrology tools to quantify mass transport processes occurring during thermal ALD. Metrology data will support the development of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and machine learning (ML) models of transport and surface reaction processes, with the ultimate goal of producing validated digital twins for thermal ALD processes. The project team includes experts in vapor phase deposition processes, in situ optical metrology, micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) design, numerical modeling, and machine learning. NIST maintains unique facilities for the development and application of fast and sensitive in situ diagnostics for vapor phase deposition processes. Multiple research-grade ALD systems dedicated to oxide, metal, and sulfide film deposition are available, as well as optical measurements spanning the UV and mid-IR wavelengths tailored for surface and gas-phase processes.
Candidates must be eligible to obtain a Department of Commerce background check for facility access.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Operating and maintaining multiple ALD system and custom in situ optical setups
- Performing temporally- and spatially-resolved optical measurements during ALD
- Using and analyzing optical process data to validate transport models
- Publishing findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presenting at conferences
Qualifications
- Hands-on expertise in the design and assembly of research-grade ALD reactors
- Expertise in building and maintaining custom lab instrumentation
- Expertise in vapor phase deposition processes such as ALD
- Safe operation and maintenance of ALD systems
- Operation of in situ process diagnostics, including custom optical setups
- Knowledgeable in vapor transport mechanisms, precursor chemistry, and process development/optimization applicable to ALD
- Ph.D. or equivalent experience in chemistry, physics, materials science, or related field
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work as part of a team and independently
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.