"Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate"

Job Summary

The Material Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified persons to join a team of researchers within the NIST/CHIPS Nanometer-Scale Planar Reference Materials project working with advanced metrology methods to characterize local physical and chemical properties and map any variation in these properties of thin, nanometer-scale films deposited on Si (and SiC) wafers. The candidate will measure and analyze these wafers using X-ray and optical methods to determine, through hybrid metrology, structural maps for wafers with thin films of interest to the semiconductor community. This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

PREP is a special partnership between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado Boulder. PREP provides research opportunities to CU undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in NIST labs to gain research experience alongside NIST scientists.

The particular group that needs a researcher is the Microscopy and Microanalysis Research Group at NIST.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Plan and conduct research on advanced X-ray metrologies to determine structural (physical and chemical) properties of blanket (non-patterned) thin films on Si and SiC wafers.
• Use lab-based and synchrotron X-ray characterization methods, to determine the structural properties of thin film samples.
• Use open-source (python) fitting methods to constrain structural models, determine uncertainties, and combine these properties into a hybrid metrology digital wafer.
• Perform wafer dicing, cleaning, and packaging of samples for distribution as Research Grade Test Materials.
• Publish results in archival scientific journals and present results at topical meetings.

What We Can Offer

• The salary range for the full-time Postdoctoral Associate position is $74,000 - $108,000 annually.
• The salary range for the full-time Research Associate position is $78,000 - $135,000 annually.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Postdoctoral Associate: PhD in physics, materials science, or another related field with 0 - 4 years of post-doctoral degree experience.
• Research Associate: PhD in physics, materials science, or another related field with 5+ years of post-doctoral degree experience.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Background in X-ray measurement technique(s) required, either: X-ray reflectivity, X-ray fluorescence, or X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
• Background in programming and/or data modeling using python recommended.
• Familiarity with thin film deposition and clean room access protocols, preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV
2. Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.

If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.

During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference. We will request the letter of recommendation immediately following your application.

Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until March 25, 2026.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.