Post Doctoral Fellow - Beamline Scientist (CHIPS)

PREP0004308

March 9, 2026

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:

Postdoctoral Beamline Scientist

 

The work will entail:

The NIST SURF III team operates an Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) reflectometry facility on an established beamline making scores of measurements per year.    This mature facility is undergoing a complete replacement through a collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory’s Center for X-ray Optics.   The upgraded facility will provide improved capabilities, uncertainty, reliability and throughput to meet the growing need of the EUV lithographic (EUVL) industry.  The successful candidate will work with an interdisciplinary team to operate, maintain, upgrade and commission the SURF III EUV reflectometry facility (beamline 7).  Research will include development of a roadmap for an EUV reflectance standard to be used by the EUVL community.

 

Candidates must be eligible to obtain a Department of Commerce background check for facility access.


Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

  • Conduct literature review of EUV multilayer mirror technology, EUV reference standards and develop report based on review.
  • Work with a multidisciplinary team to operate, maintain and upgrade beamline 7.
  • Work with Staff to develop roadmap for EUV reflectometry reference standard.
  • Interact with NIST and partner institution staff to develop mechanical design of components for an ultra-high vacuum synchrotron end-station using CAD software.
  • Run, optimize, and document data acquisition codes (LabVIEW and Python)
  • Aid NIST staff in developing plans for beamline removal of legacy hardware and integration of new systems onto SURF III beamline 7.
  • Prepares written reports and documentation for sample measurement, operation of instrumentation and safety.
  • Provide input for CHIPS quarterly progress reports.

 

Qualifications

  • Ph. D. in physics, Engineering, or a related field
  • Experience with the following:
    • Optical metrology instrument and detector design,
    • EUV lithography,
    • Synchrotron beamline operations,
    • Ultra-high vacuum systems and practices
    • X-ray and/or EUV instruments,
    • Use and development of data acquisition hardware and software (LabVIEW and Python),
    • Familiarity with CAD software,
    • Statistical data analysis.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills. 

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