What are the responsibilities and job description for the Semiconductor Device Researcher position at Natcast.org?
Natcast (short for The National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology) is a new, purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) consortium, established by the CHIPS Act of the U.S. government.
Working at Natcast represents an opportunity to help extend America’s leadership in semiconductor technology, significantly reduce the time and cost of moving from idea to commercialization, and build and sustain a semiconductor workforce development ecosystem.
These efforts to advance semiconductor technology and seed new industries built on the capabilities of a wide range of advanced chips hold the potential to benefit the country and the world for generations to come.
In this role you will advance semiconductor technology at Natcast's CHIPS for America R&D Flagship Facility, developing novel materials and device architectures that transform next-generation electronics.
Every day you will explore the frontiers of semiconductor physics, optimizing material properties and device structures while creating innovative solutions that enhance America's leadership in emerging electronic technologies.
To thrive in this role you must combine materials science expertise with device engineering capabilities, demonstrating both fundamental research skills and practical implementation abilities while advancing semiconductor innovation.
At Natcast’s new facilities and partner facilities, you'll collaborate with leading researchers to develop breakthrough semiconductor solutions that enable new classes of electronic devices, from advanced displays to next-generation sensors and flexible electronics.
Key Responsibilities
Materials Development and Characterization:
Natcast is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any protected attribute. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process due to a disability, please let us know.
We collect and manage personal data in compliance with data privacy regulations and best practices.
Working at Natcast represents an opportunity to help extend America’s leadership in semiconductor technology, significantly reduce the time and cost of moving from idea to commercialization, and build and sustain a semiconductor workforce development ecosystem.
These efforts to advance semiconductor technology and seed new industries built on the capabilities of a wide range of advanced chips hold the potential to benefit the country and the world for generations to come.
In this role you will advance semiconductor technology at Natcast's CHIPS for America R&D Flagship Facility, developing novel materials and device architectures that transform next-generation electronics.
Every day you will explore the frontiers of semiconductor physics, optimizing material properties and device structures while creating innovative solutions that enhance America's leadership in emerging electronic technologies.
To thrive in this role you must combine materials science expertise with device engineering capabilities, demonstrating both fundamental research skills and practical implementation abilities while advancing semiconductor innovation.
At Natcast’s new facilities and partner facilities, you'll collaborate with leading researchers to develop breakthrough semiconductor solutions that enable new classes of electronic devices, from advanced displays to next-generation sensors and flexible electronics.
Key Responsibilities
Materials Development and Characterization:
- Lead semiconductor material research, focusing on novel compositions to achieve desired electronic properties.
- Optimize thin-film deposition processes, including PVD, ALD, sputtering, and other advanced techniques, to achieve superior film quality and uniformity.
- Perform material characterization using techniques such as XPS, XRD, TEM, SEM, and ellipsometry to analyze material properties and surface morphology.
- Design and prototype innovative device architectures, enabling scaling beyond CFET and conventional memories.
- Develop devices such as thin-film transistors (TFTs)
- Optimize device parameters, including carrier mobility, reliability, and on/off ratios, to meet performance requirements for next-generation applications.
- Create integration strategies to incorporate oxide semiconductors into complex device stacks and systems.
- Guide fabrication processes, including lithography, etching, and metallization, in cleanroom environments to produce and test prototype devices.
- Explore scaling methodologies for oxide semiconductors in industrial and commercial applications.
- Direct experimental programs, including exploratory research and validation of material and device properties.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and academic partners to ensure integration into innovative technologies.
- Mentor junior researchers and technologists, fostering an environment of innovation, learning, and collaboration.
- Author and publish technical papers and patents, contributing to Natcast's intellectual property portfolio and establishing leadership in oxide semiconductor technologies.
- Present findings and breakthroughs at industry-leading conferences, seminars, and internal innovation forums.
- Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, or a related field with a focus on semiconductor materials or devices.
- 5 years of experience in semiconductor materials research, development, or integration.
- Expertise in thin-film deposition processes, such as ALD, PVD, or sputtering, with a proven ability to optimize material properties.
- Strong background in materials characterization techniques for semiconductors and thin films.
- Knowledge of device physics, including the design and optimization of thin-film transistors, sensors, or similar architectures.
- Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and contributions to research and development projects.
- Experience leading research projects and teams with exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Hands-on industry experience in semiconductor R&D or manufacturing.
- Established patent portfolio demonstrating innovation in semiconductor devices or materials.
- Familiarity with advanced ALD/PVD processes for large-area deposition or high-performance coatings.
- Cleanroom experience, including process optimization and equipment maintenance.
Natcast is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any protected attribute. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process due to a disability, please let us know.
We collect and manage personal data in compliance with data privacy regulations and best practices.
