We are seeking a postdoc to perform research in surface chemical reactions for atomically precise thin film deposition and etching of materials including metals, metal oxides and polymers. The overall goal of these projects, funded by industry, is to develop a fundamental understanding and control of organic vapor deposition on flat and porous surfaces. Specifically, they target depositing low surface energy coatings on polymer films and nonwovens using a novel process technique called molecular layer deposition (MLD). The postdoc will focus on understanding basic surface reactions to identify novel approaches to integrate deposition and etching to achieve well-controlled MLD suitable for advanced manufacturing.

Duties and Responsibilities

The postdoc will be expected to take leadership of their project, including identifying research directions, executing experiments, organizing results, managing interactions with team members and research sponsors, and preparing results for written and oral dissemination. They must be skilled in oral, written and visual communication, be able to organize and regularly present research updates to the PI, group, and external sponsors. They will also be expected to travel to national and international conferences and project reviews to present research results and provide positive representation for the group.

The candidate must be able to work independently, as well as collaborate effectively within a team. Parsons’ group members are highly interactive, and the postdoc is expected to contribute positively by mentoring and setting an example for more junior researchers, and by expanding our group’s commitment to a safe, cooperative and diverse work environment.

The postdoc will be expected to draft research articles for publication in peer-reviewed research journals, and help develop and write research proposals for external funding. In addition to their primary project, the postdoc will have opportunity to identify and pursue related research problems of their interest using available laboratory facilities.

The postdoc may also be asked to perform experiments and related activities, such as thin film deposition tests, materials characterization, and written and oral report preparation and presentation, to support research projects and contracts. The candidate will also be required to communicate effectively orally and in writing with industry or other outside researchers, research sponsors, and university staff and officials.

The candidate must be able to work effectively in a team environment with student researchers, including mentoring more junior researchers, teaching laboratory best practices, analytical characterization, and other laboratory skills. The candidate must also work effectively with Department staff, including responding to Departmental or University requests as indicated by the lab PI.

This position requires a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or other related field. The ideal candidate will be a recent PhD seeking to gain research experience to help pursue an academic career in the field of electronic and related materials processing.

Hands-on experience in thin film materials preparation, including ALD, ALE, MLD, and related processes is highly desired. The postdoc should be able to work effectively with custom-built laboratory ALD reactor equipment, including fabrication, maintenance and operation of high-vacuum and ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) systems. The postdoc will be expected to be able to design and fabricate reactor improvements, maintain reactor performance, analyze reactor diagnostics, and trouble-shoot and repair reactor problems. The candidate should also have experience in materials spectroscopic characterization, including for example, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, infrared transmission spectroscopy, and wavelength-dependent ellipsometry. Experience in X-ray diffraction and reflectivity, and in materials imaging by SEM and TEM is also favorable.

Experience in hands-on, thin film materials and deposition methods, in-situ characterization, electron spectroscopy and UHV equipment is highly desired. Familiarity with surface and material characterization analysis such as FTIR, AFM, XPS, SEM, TEM, XRD, XRR, ellipsometry, and AES is also preferred.

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NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

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