Postdoctoral Research Associate – An advanced X-ray characterization technique for angstrom era semiconductor patterning

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POSITION DESCRIPTION

The NSLS-II is seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a co-design research effort that aims at advancing extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) nanofabrication well beyond the conventional lithography approaches, taking advantage of the world-leading expertise in X-ray metrology at NSLS-II, nanofabrication at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN), and machine learning (ML) at the Computational Science Initiative (CSI). 

The selected candidate will collaborate with scientists at CFN and CSI to optimize the EUVL performance through rigorous simulations as well as machine-learning networks that account for the light-matter interactions in various wavelength regimes, and real light source parameters such as coherence, polarization, monochromaticity, and flux uniformity. The candidate is also expected to conduct x-ray characterizations at beamlines, using state-of-the-art microscopy techniques like coherent scattering and ptychographic imaging. The candidate will actively collaborate with researchers at external facilities such as the Advanced Light Source of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the X-ray Interference Lithography beamline at Paul Scherrer Institute of Swiss Light Source. As part of the Imaging & Microscopy team at NSLS-II, the candidate will have opportunities to collaborate using the state-of-the-art capabilities of the imaging and microscopy beamlines at NSLS-II.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

•    Participate in co-designing of interference EUV masks by conducting coherent wavefront propagation through complex 3D nanostructures.  
•    Perform coherent x-ray scattering and imaging experiments to validate and improve simulation approaches. 
•    Collaborate with CSI scientists to improve the simulation process using ML methods. 
•    Prepare data for presentations and publications. 
•    Present results to the scientific and industrial community via peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•    Ph.D. in Computer Science, Physics, Material Science, or related discipline.
•    Demonstrated expertise in X-ray scattering or imaging data acquisition and analysis.
•    Demonstrated experience in computational programming. 
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills.
•    Ability to work independently and also interact effectively in a collaborative team to tackle challenging scientific problems.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•    Demonstrated experience in coherent X-ray scattering simulation using wave propagation methods.
•    Demonstrated experience in coherent X-ray imaging data acquisition and analysis.
•    Work experience in a synchrotron-based research environment.
•    Demonstrated experience in Python programming.
•    Knowledge of machine-learning algorithms. 

BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of
relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The salary range for this position is $78,000 - $82,000. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate are committed to your success. We offer a supportive work environment and the resources necessary for you to succeed.

About Us

Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation’s future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country, learn more at BNL | Opportunities for Veterans at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

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