Post-Doc: Electron and Nanoscale Infrared Spectro-Microscopy Characterization of EUV Photoresists

Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation’s future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University.

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) at Brookhaven is a DOE-funded national scientific user facility, offering users a supported research experience with top-caliber scientists and access to state-of-the-art instrumentation. The CFN mission is advancing nanoscience through frontier fundamental research and technique development and is the nexus of a broad collaboration network. Each year, CFN staff members support the research of more than 600 external facility users.

Three strategic nanoscience themes underlie the CFN scientific facilities: The CFN conducts research on Nanomaterial Synthesis by Assembly, designing precise architectures with targeted functionality by organizing nanoscale components.  The CFN researches and applies platforms for state-of-the-art techniques for Accelerated Nanomaterial Discovery, integrating synthesis, advanced characterization, physical modeling, and computer science to iteratively explore a wide range of material parameters. The CFN develops and utilizes advanced capabilities for studies of Nanomaterials in Operando Conditions for characterizing materials and reactions at the atomic scale in real-world environments.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The CFN is seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research directed at developing the methodology for applying the electron spectro-microscopy techniques to studying inorganic-containing hybrid EUV photoresist thin films on semiconductor substrates. In this postdoc position, you will be a member of the Interface Science and Catalysis group and interact strongly with other researchers at the BNL and elsewhere, within the project “Angstrom Era Semiconductor Patterning Material Development Accelerator” funded by the DOE. Your primary research objective will be to measure and understand the chemical interactions of low-energy electrons with inorganic-organic hybrid EUV photoresists and their energy dependence.

The CFN is operating a state-of-the art x-ray photoemission electron microscopy / low-energy electron microscopy (XPEEM/LEEM) endstation at the Electron Spectro-Microscopy (ESM) beamline of the National Synchrotron Light Source II, as well as a lab-based LEEM system at the CFN. In addition, you will utilize nanoscale infrared spectro-microscopy tools at the CFN. You will apply these tools and other advanced characterization methods at the CFN and NSLS-II, towards investigations of photochemical processes occurring in novel inorganic-organic hybrid EUV photoresists under exposure to EUV radiation. You are also expected to closely collaborate with other researchers at the BNL and elsewhere involved in this project.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

In this position, you will have the following roles and responsibilities:

• You will apply the electron and nanoscale infrared spectro-microscopy techniques towards the study of inorganic-containing hybrid EUV photoresist thin films;

• You will develop a new methodology for quantitative measurements of the low-energy electron interactions with the various types of photoresists;

• You will collaborate with scientific staff with diverse backgrounds, film growth, electron and nanoscale infrared spectro-microscopy, including data analytics, modeling, materials theory, and engineers focused on the EUV photoresist applications;

• You will perform impactful nanomaterial research, publish papers, and give external presentations on your work.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

You are qualified for this Research Associate position if:

• You earned a Ph.D. in an appropriate discipline (Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Electrical Engineering) within the past five years;

• You have strong written and oral communication skills;

• You have a demonstrated track record of publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations;

• You are interested in learning surface spectro-microscopy methods including nanoscale infrared spectro-microscopy;

• You work effectively in a collaborative team to tackle challenging scientific problems.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

You are well-matched to this position if:

• You are familiar with ultra-high vacuum (UHV) equipment and procedures or you have previously worked in a synchrotron-based research environment;

• You have experience with nanoscale infrared spectromicroscopy including photothermal infrared (PTIR), Optical-photothermal infrared (O-PTIR), or scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM);

• You have knowledge of electron spectro-microscopy techniques;

• You have prior clean room experience or experience in using photoresists and understand their chemical properties;

• You can work independently within the team and communicate effectively, both verbally and also through writing.

Other:

• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $68,400.00 - $113,250.00 /year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Brookhaven employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by Brookhaven. The full text of the Order may be found at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0486.1-BOrder-a/@@images/file

Brookhaven Science Associates is an equal opportunity employer that values inclusion and diversity at our Lab. We are committed to ensuring that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a veteran, disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. BSA takes affirmative action in support of its policy and to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.