Scientist – Materials Characterization

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

The Materials Characterization Facility (MCF) is seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist to join our advanced microscopy team. This role is designed as a growth-oriented position, offering the unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of electron optics while receiving direct mentorship from senior research staff to develop world-class technical mastery.

The successful candidate will bridge the gap between high-end instrument operation and active research development, focusing on the characterization of advanced electronic devices and material defects. A key pillar of this role involves leveraging state-of-the-art software to develop automation routines that increase facility throughput and data precision.

Key Responsibilities

1. Advanced Electron Microscopy & Spectroscopy

• Expert Operation: Provide primary technical support and high-level operation of Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM/STEM).

• Analytical Spectroscopy: Execute and interpret complex chemical and structural analysis using EDS and EELS.

• Device Characterization: Perform detailed analysis of electronic devices, specifically targeting defect characterization, interfacial phenomena, and dopant/strain mapping.

2. Precision Sample Preparation

• FIB Operations: Utilize Focused Ion Beam (FIB) systems for the site-specific preparation of high-quality TEM lamellae.

• Advanced Thinning: Master in-situ lift-out and precision thinning/cleaning protocols to ensure optimal samples for aberration-corrected imaging.

3. Automation & Digital Innovation

• Routine Development: Develop and deploy custom automation routines using manufacturer APIs and scripting (e.g., Python, DM Script) to streamline data collection.

• Software Integration: Leverage state-of-the-art software suites (e.g., Velox, GMS3) to implement high-throughput workflows.

• Data Pipelines: Establish standardized processing pipelines to handle large datasets generated by high-speed detectors.

4. Research Partnership & Technique Development

• Direct Research Support: Partner with the research team to develop novel analytical techniques tailored to specific materials of interest.

• Methodology Innovation: Transition from executing established protocols to authoring new ones for beam-sensitive or complex heterostructured material

Mentorship & Career Growth

This position is structured to foster long-term professional development. The Staff Scientist will:

• Partner with senior scientists to acquire specialized technical intuition in advanced TEM and aberration-corrected microscopy.

• Be empowered to dedicate time to mastering new hardware, such as in-situ biasing or heating holders.

• Grow into a technical leadership role within the facility, with opportunities for co-authorship on high-impact publications.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• Proven experience with TEM/STEM imaging and diffraction.

• Functional knowledge of EDS and EELS data acquisition and quantification.

• Hands-on experience with FIB-based TEM lamella preparation (lift-out).

• Proficiency (or strong aptitude) in Python or similar scripting for data manipulation.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with electronic device failure analysis and defect engineering.

• Familiarity with 4D-STEM or other emerging electron optic modalities.

• Strong communication skills and a desire to work in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment.

 

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR.  A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:  AV offers an excellent benefits package inc