Principal Researcher, Exploratory Materials & Devices

Natcast (short for The National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology) is a new, purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) consortium, established by the CHIPS Act of the U.S. government.

Working at Natcast represents an opportunity to help extend America’s leadership in semiconductor technology, significantly reduce the time and cost of moving from idea to commercialization, and build and sustain a semiconductor workforce development ecosystem.

These efforts to advance semiconductor technology and seed new industries built on the capabilities of a wide range of advanced chips hold the potential to benefit the country and the world for generations to come.

In this role you will pioneer the future of semiconductor materials and devices at Natcast's CHIPS for America R&D Flagship Facility, leading groundbreaking research that defines next-generation semiconductor technologies. 

Every day you will explore novel materials and innovative device architectures, collaborating with leading academics and industry partners while pushing the boundaries of what's possible in semiconductor technology. 

To thrive in this role you must combine visionary scientific leadership with practical innovation skills, demonstrating both research excellence and strategic thinking while advancing America's semiconductor capabilities.  

At Natcast's cutting-edge research facility, you'll lead a team of talented scientists in discovering and developing revolutionary materials and devices that maintain U.S. leadership in semiconductor technology. 

Key Responsibilities 

Scientific Leadership and Research: 

• Lead groundbreaking exploratory research initiatives to identify and develop revolutionary semiconductor materials and devices. 

• Drive novel materials development, optimizing performance properties for high-impact semiconductor applications. 

• Guide the design and innovation of advanced device architectures, enabling transformative capabilities in electronics, photonics, and quantum technologies. 

Collaboration and Partnerships: 

• Foster academic collaborations with leading universities to conduct joint research and talent development. 

• Establish and manage industry partnerships, driving impactful technology transfer and commercialization opportunities. 

• Represent Natcast in external engagements, strengthening the company’s reputation as a global leader in semiconductor research. 

Research Program Management: 

• Develop and manage multidisciplinary research programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and U.S. semiconductor leadership objectives. 

• Provide strategic input to guide patent strategy, supporting intellectual property development and protection. 

Knowledge Dissemination: 

• Author high-impact publications in leading scientific journals, establishing Natcast’s leadership in semiconductor innovation. 

• Present research findings at major industry conferences, academic symposia, and government forums. 

• Mentor and guide scientific teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. 

Innovation and Strategic Planning: 

• Drive innovation programs, identifying and implementing emerging trends and breakthroughs in semiconductor technology. 

• Shape long-term research roadmaps that align with national priorities and CHIPS for America initiatives, ensuring Natcast’s contributions to U.S. semiconductor advancements. 

Required Skills and Experience 

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in semiconductor research. 

• 10+ years of experience leading semiconductor materials and device research, with a track record of impactful contributions to the field. 

• Strong publication record in top-tier journals, demonstrating research excellence and thought leadership. 

• Proven experience in leading research teams, managing multidisciplinary projects, and achieving strategic goals. 

• Expertise in materials innovation, including novel material discovery, optimization, and integration into semiconductor devices. 

• Deep understanding of device physics, with the ability to design and evaluate novel architectures. 

• Strong strategic planning abilities, with a history of shaping and executing long-term research roadmaps. 

• Track record of collaboration with in