Postdoctoral Appointee - In-Situ Optical Diagnostics for Semiconductor Materials Research, Onsite

About the Role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to support research in in-situ laser probe characterization. In this role, you will plan and perform experiments; install, repair, and maintain diagnostic tools; and collect and analyze data aimed at controlling atomic-scale defect populations in wide-gap semiconductors. You will contribute to the design and characterization efforts needed to advance experimental research, publish results in peer-reviewed journals, present findings at local and national conferences, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across Sandia National Laboratories to develop new research opportunities and projects.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Plan and perform experiments, install, repair, and maintain diagnostic tools, collect and analyze data with the goal of controlling atomic-scale defect populations in wide-gap semiconductors
• Perform design and characterization necessary to support projects or experiments
• Publish journal articles and present work at local and national conferences
• Interact and collaborate with other inter-disciplinary research groups within Sandia National Laboratories to develop new research opportunities and projects

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

Requirements

We Require:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical/Materials Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field, conferred within 5 years prior to employment
• Experience designing and building optical systems
• Experience with laser pump-probe imaging, velocimetry techniques such as direct imaging, photon Doppler velocimetry, and/or VISAR, and/or non-commercial spectroscopy
• Experience with materials characterization techniques such as photoluminescence spectroscopy, electron microscopy, plasma diagnostics, and/or measurement of thermodynamic and transport properties
• Record of publishing results in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at scientific and/or technical conferences
• Conversational understanding of physics and materials science
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with sensors (IR/UV cameras, Pyrometers, Thermal Imaging cameras, High speed cameras, electron detectors, etc.) and analysis of spectroscopic data
• Experience with Data Analytics, Electromagnetic field modelling, and Image Processing (ImageJ, COMSOL, C++, MatLab, Python preferred)
• Background in heat and mass transport theory at the particle and microstructural scale
• Experience determining equations of state from material shock response
• A desire to collaborate with industry and facilitate technology transfer
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Benefits

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance

*Benefits vary by job classification.

About Our Team

The Advanced Metal Processing Department and Rapid Development Machine Shop provides scientific and engineering expertise in the areas of advanced manufacturing, metal additive manufacturing and laser machining/surface modification. Advanced manufacturing includes the design and fabrication of components by conventional subtractive machining, additive manufacturing, electrical discharge machining (EDM), laser machining, laser etching/annealing, vacuum induction melting, and optical probe measurements. Metal additive manufacturing expertise includes alloy development, qualification/acceptance, and design. Current technologies utilized include laser powder bed, metal fused deposition (FDM), and powder and wire directed energy deposition (DED). Our staff supports a variety of programs and is highly engaged in providing collaborative, innovative materials science and systems-based engineering solutions.

The analytic capabilities available:

• High Speed Microscopy
• High Speed Thermal Imaging
• Thermal Desorption
• Thermal Diffusivity
• Particle Size Analysis
• Avalanche Angle Measurement
• Thermal Imaging, plus others