Associate Research Scientist (PREP0004149) Full-time

Associate Research Scientist

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: Nanocalorimetry for In-Situ Plasma Monitoring (U.S. Citizens Preferred)

The work will entail:

• Design and assemble a custom plasma reactor that integrates NIST-produced nanocalorimetry sensors as well as other common plasma diagnostic tools.
• Perform experiments using a variety of plasma types and conditions relevant for semiconductor manufacturing processes, utilizing nanocalorimetry along with other plasma diagnostic techniques for in-situ monitoring.
• Data interpretation to understand the parameters during plasma processes and assess the feasibility of using nanocalorimetry as a process monitoring technique.
• Publish results in peer reviewed scientific journals and present results at scientific conferences.

Employment Terms: This opportunity is to be an associate researcher in the Materials Measurement Science Division for a term of 1 year, with options to renew. Associate researchers are NOT Federal Employees, but they work aside NIST researchers and with NIST's often world class instrumentation. Relocation expenses will not be provided. U.S. Citizens hired into associate positions may have the opportunity to seek longer term Federal Employment.

Salary: $90,000 to $95,000

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in materials science, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering or related field.
• Hands-on expertise in the design and assembly of custom plasma reactors, as well as experience using plasma diagnostic techniques such as Langmuir and optical probes.
• Experience with calorimetry-based measurements of temperature and/or thermal properties of materials.
• Understanding of measurements of radical/ionic fluxes and energy distributions at the substrate level, as well as deep knowledge of plasma-surface interactions.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.