Postdoctoral Research Associate – Block Copolymer Directed Self-Assembly
Position Description
The CFN is seeking an exceptional postdoctoral researcher to pursue frontier research using novel, self-assembling block copolymer blends to heal irregularities in ultra-high resolution directing chemical patterns, with enormous potential impact in future semiconductor technology fabrication. In this position, you will uncover relationships between pattern-forming kinetics, stochastic defectivity, polymer composition and process design in the lithographically directed self-assembly of polymer thin films. Your project will use innovative blending strategies to uncover fundamental relationships between film composition (polydispersity, chemical mixing, etc.) and dynamic interfacial phenomena in self-assembled nanopatterns. You will also employ customized annealing instruments to engineer assembly pathways for optimal pattern quality. Your research will leverage advanced combinatorial tools, novel machine learning methods, world-class synchrotron X-ray scattering capabilities and a suite of cutting-edge nanoscience instruments in the CFN’s cleanroom and other laboratories to establish design rules and strategies that will enable next generation patterning for high-technology electronics applications. You will carry out your research in the Electronic Nanomaterials group under the supervision of CFN scientist Gregory Doerk.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
As the Postdoctoral Research Associate – Block Copolymer Directed Self-Assembly, you will have these roles and responsibilities:
- Use lithography, self-assembly and thin film processing methods to fabricate extremely well-ordered nanopatterns in registry with directing templates.
- Collect and analyze electron microscopy images and X-ray scattering patterns to elucidate relationships between molecular properties and pattern roughness and defectivity.
- Develop hypotheses to interpret research findings and disseminate new scientific knowledge about polymer directed self-assembly through publications and presentations.
- Collaborate with researchers possessing a broad range scientific expertise and interests in directed self-assembly and adjacent fields.
Position Requirements
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
You are qualified for this role if:
- Ph.D. in material science, chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, or a related discipline within the past five years, or will complete this degree prior to starting the position;
- Demonstrated experience performing experimental research on polymer thin films;
- Experience in lithographic patterning, use of cleanroom nanofabrication equipment, and associated pattern characterization methods (especially scanning electron microscopy);
- Ability to communicate effectively by writing scientific papers and giving technical presentations;
- Committed to fostering an environment of safe scientific work practices.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
You are well-matched to this position if:
- Extensive knowledge and hands-on expertise of thin film block copolymer self-assembly;
- Demonstrated experience with electron beam lithography and synchrotron X-ray characterization (e.g., SAXS, GISAXS);
- Working knowledge of Python or other programming languages used in data analysis (e.g. Matlab).
BNL policy requires that research associate appointments be made to individuals who have received their doctorate within the past five years.
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.
At Brookhaven National Laboratory we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to: