What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Scientist (Materials synthesis, Nanofabrication) position at UChicago Argonne, LLC?
The successful candidate will lead the synthesis and characterization of thin films including metals, oxides/nitrides/dielectrics using various physical vapor deposition (PVD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems within CNM’s state-of-the-art cleanroom facility.
Responsibilities include:
Developing a research program on materials synthesis that aligns with CNM’s strategic scientific theme areas
Operating and maintaining various PVD and CVD systems including sputtering, evaporation, and thermal/plasma based atomic layer deposition (ALD) systems respectively
Developing and optimizing synthesis recipes for various materials to meet the needs of CNM staff and users
Managing and maintaining additional cleanroom tools, such as the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and metrology equipment
Collaborating with a diverse team of scientists and engineers from universities, national laboratories, and industry including providing guidance and supervision of CNM users
Publishing research results in scientific journals and writing reports
Ensuring reliable operation, troubleshooting, and repair of cleanroom tools in coordination with CNM operations staff
Key responsibilities:
Work with CNM staff, users, and other Argonne divisions to lead thin film synthesis and characterization efforts aligned with CNM’s strategic research themes. Assist in the maintenance and efficient operation of the CNM cleanroom, ensuring smooth workflow for both staff and users.
Position Requirements
Ph.D. in physical sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Electrical/Mechanical Engineering) or related field awarded preferably within the last 5 years or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by the commencement of employment
Expert in thin film synthesis (sputtering, evaporation, ALD) of various materials including metals, oxides/complex oxides, nitrides and dielectrics as well as their characterization using XRD, SEM, Raman, AFM etc.)
Good understanding of synthesis-structure-property relationships of thin films
Experience in reactive sputtering, epitaxial thin film growth
Hands-on experience with PVD and CVD systems, including maintenance and troubleshooting
Familiar with cleanroom fabrication techniques, including lithography, dry/wet etching etc.
Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork
Interested candidates should submit their detailed CV along with the following documents:
A cover letter outlining their experience and motivation for applying for this position
A research statement (1-2 pages) describing their scientific vision and research plan
A user research statement (1-2 pages) detailing their strategy for developing user science/capabilities
RD2: Bachelors and 5 years of experience, Masters and 3 years, or PhD and 0 years, or equivalent
The expected hiring range for this position is $90,063 to 143,010 annually
Job Family
Research Development (RD)Job Profile
Materials/Ceramics/Metallurgical 2Worker Type
RegularTime Type
Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $90,063.00 - $143,010.27.Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.
Salary : $90,063 - $143,010
