Postdoctoral Research Associate - Quantum Device Fabrication

Requisition Id 12344 

Overview: 

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus quantum device fabrication, which includes integrating novel topological quantum materials into nanofabrication processes to enable the development of new technologies for quantum information science. This position resides in the Nanofabrication Research Laboratory, Nanomaterials Synthesis Section of the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) in the Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

As part of our research team, you will collaborate with experts in quantum materials synthesis, theory, and measurement through the Quantum Science Center (QSC) at ORNL. You will help develop the methods to create “materials systems” and devices that will enable first of their kind experiments in the search for novel quantum properties. CNMS is equipped with a unique state-of-the-art nanofabrication facility that has recently received several instrumental upgrades suited to meet the nanofabrication challenges in quantum device fabrication including atomic layer deposition, electron beam lithography, and direct-write plasma focused ion beam instrumentation.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Assist in process and workflow development for integrating topological insulators, topological superconductors, quantum spin liquids, 2D materials and combinations of these materials with electrodes and integrated sensors for follow-on characterization and testing.
• Utilize existing cleanroom facilities and expertise within the nanofabrication research group, including e-beam lithography, photolithography, plasma processing, metal deposition, and focused ion beam processing to fabricate devices.
• Characterize electronic transport and device properties utilizing the physical property measurement system (PPMS)/low-temperature cryogenic probe station and semiconductor parameter analyzers.
• Work in a fast paced and highly collaborative environment to tackle difficult and open-ended problems.
• Disseminate scientific results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field completed within the last 5 years

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in nanoscale device fabrication using photolithography, e-beam lithography, and plasma etching
• Experience in various 2D CAD drawings software e.g., KLayout, Layout editor, AutoCAD, etc.
• Experience in exfoliation and assembly of 2D materials and associated heterostructures using dry transfer
• Experience in various materials property characterization e.g., Raman, AFM, SEM, etc.
• Experience in focus ion beam (FIB)-based micromachining and direct write lithography.
• Experience in characterization of nano-electronic devices e.g., low-temperature electrical transport, optoelectronic transport measurements, etc.
• A strong record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at major conferences
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory 
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to [email protected] with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: [email protected] .

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email [email protected].

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.