Experimental Materials Scientist / Engineer

Job Description

The mission of the Advanced Materials and Microsystems Group in the Advanced Technology Division is to research and develop a broad array of electronic, electro-optic, and RF materials and devices to develop leap-ahead capability in support of national security. Our materials research enterprise spans the materials development cycle from computation and theory to growth, processing, and characterization, and complements RF, imager, and quantum computing technology development in the division.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct hands-on experimental research in advanced materials synthesis, processing, and characterization
• Help develop and execute a strategic roadmap for the materials enterprise, aligning experimental research with national security priorities
• Serve as a subject matter expert for the new material synthesis and processing thrust of the AI-enabled rapid material discovery program
• Define and propose new research and development opportunities with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and reporting to meet organizational and sponsor objectives
• Lead, mentor, and participate in multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and collaboration
• Write and publish technical reports, manuscripts, and proposals detailing research methods, findings, and strategic implications.

Requirements

• PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or related field. Equivalent experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to create, fabricate, and analyze materials for specific applications and use cases
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and build teams
• Active or eligible to obtain a Secret security clearance
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, including ability to communicate experimental results to experts and non-experts, government sponsors, and internal stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills

Desired Skills

• Demonstrated ability to grow and process thin-film electronic materials
• Thorough understanding of wide band gap semiconductor materials and their associated processing methods
• Growth and processing expertise in cubic boron nitride (c-BN), diamond, or established and emerging wide-bandgap semiconductors
• Expertise in material growth reactor and processing tool design and fabrication
• Expertise in a broad array of inorganic material systems
• Familiarity with computational materials science with linkage to experimental methods
• Familiarity with semiconductor device physics
• Experience in successfully guiding and leading interdisciplinary technical programs
• Experience defining and executing technology roadmaps
• Six or more years of post-graduate experience as an experimental materials researcher

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT-funded pension
• Matching 401K
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• A range of work-life balance options