DESCRIPTION

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in Thin Film Synthesis to work on our Condensed Matter and Materials Physics team. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.
This position focuses on the synthesis of novel f-electron-bearing materials, specifically in thin films for nuclear, magnetic, and functional applications. Key responsibilities include designing and implementing growth campaigns and experiments using molecular beam epitaxy, sputtering, and/or atomic layer deposition systems, performing electrical transport measurements, structural characterization, and developing innovative approaches to sample handling.
One of the responsibilities of this position will be leading experimental activities relating to the synthesis of f-electron-bearing materials under Laboratory Directed Research and Development grant. The postdoctoral research associate will contribute to, and actively engage in multi-institution collaborative research projects involving other experimental (transport, irradiation, microscopy, and fabrication) and theoretical (first principles and mathematical description) personnel. The postdoctoral research associate will also contribute to developing proposals for new research projects from internal and external funding sources, within a larger goal of expanding INL’s DOE Office of Science research portfolio.
Other technical roles include: 1) substrate cleaving, mounting, and loading; 2) developing novel approaches to synthesis of rare-earth- and actinide-bearing compounds; 3) structural characterization of these materials using X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, 4) four-point and Hall geometry transport measurements; 5) develop exfoliation and transfer methods for thin films, and 6) designing new architectures for device testing and characterization. Areas of inquiry at the nexus of these technical topics should be pursued and expanded in accordance with laboratory growth strategy in condensed matter physics and materials science. The postdoctoral research associate will also have opportunities representing INL and the Energy and Environment Science and Technology (EES&T) directorate at national and international technical meetings, working groups, etc.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD in Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science or Comparable Disciplines. Must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• A strong background in thin film deposition (e.g. sputtering, atomic layer deposition, molecular beam epitaxy).
• A strong background in structural characterization of thin films.
• An interest and background in designing new materials and identifying growth conditions.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills (in English).
• Demonstrated ability to propose, compile, and assemble teams for multi-institution responses to Funding Opportunity Announcements.
• Management and organization skills necessary to successfully meet research and development goals for multi-institution collaborative projects.

SELECTIVE SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Please refer the Job description for details