Postdoctoral Researcher

About the Role

Postdoctoral Researcher - Silicon Crystal Growth

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and building of a new deposition system based on CFD modeling.
• Use the system to grow single crystal boules of silicon from a silane gas source.
• Perform extensive characterization and analysis of the resulting materials.
• Develop a new silicon boule float-zone system that incorporates silane chemical vapor deposition.
• Design, build, and test the crystal growth system involving vacuum hardware and chemical vapor deposition of silane gas.
• Characterize the grown material for chemical purity and crystalline defects.
• Present data on the project at biweekly team meetings and to project sponsors.
• Produce journal publications.
• Work closely with a computational fluid dynamic modeling team to optimize system design.
• Work closely with a technoeconomic and lifecycle team to provide input.
• Adhere to and promote a strong safety culture.
• Collaborate with team members, be open to new ideas, and recognize contributions.
• Support a work environment that maximizes unique talents and innovative ideas.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical or Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.
• Experience in the growth, characterization, and/or processing of materials.
• Experience with bulk crystal growth, epitaxial growth, or growth of polycrystalline/amorphous thin films.
• Skill in interpreting and assessing experimental results.
• Good interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• A self-starting attitude and initiative.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills and experience in the growth, characterization, and/or processing of silicon materials.
• Experience in mechanical design and building of vacuum chambers.
• Experience in silicon growth using silane gas.
• Familiarity with computational fluid dynamic, thermodynamic, or kinetic modeling.
• Strong publication record.

Additional Valued Skills

• Metal machining
• CAD drawing
• System and parts design
• Vacuum build and operation experience