Position Overview
This Program Scientist will help the broader MIT.nano research community better understand the complexity of atomic layer deposition (ALD), and optionally also plasma etching, and contribute to new trends, methods, and knowledge in the lab. The PS will, in collaboration with MIT.nano staff, identify current and emerging broad process challenges, prioritize them and find solution approaches. The PS will aggregate and disseminate this knowledge across MIT.nano. This will be done by identifying knowledge bottlenecks, reviewing the literature, designing experiments to understand and improve tool performance, and – most importantly – by summarizing findings in white papers and application notes for the MIT.nano user community. The position will not conduct original research, and is not meant to be a direct continuation of a candidate’s prior research work.
This position is meant to provide a path into the semiconductor industry, by allows individuals to deepen their knowledge of the interplay of nanofabrication equipment, lab management, process development, and vendor and industry interactions – while solving problems in research with broad applicability. This experience is therefore not designed for one specific narrow research topic or device type and is not suitable for those seeking tenure track positions. The breadth of this position is ideal for future work in the semiconductor and equipment industry. To help provide industry perspectives, a mentor from one of the MIT.nano consortium companies will help provide additional career guidance and advice to the postdoc. As part of the application, candidates are expected to provide a well-written one-page statement outlining their nanofabrication background and interests, and future career goals. Cover letters written with AI assistance should indicate the relevant sections.
Research Contributions
- Provides specialized technical and intellectual expertise in ALD and/or plasma etching to users of the MIT.nano shared/core facility.
- Identifies knowledge bottlenecks in current processes and contributes original ideas to research direction and methodologies, with an equipment capability focus.
- Helps MIT.nano stay current by importing knowledge (new methods, best practices, technologies) from other labs and adapting it to the MIT.nano toolset.
Research Methods and Solutions
- Maintains up-to-date expertise in ALD and/or plasma etching instrumentation and research methods, merging research-, tool-, and industry-trends.
- Reviews the relevant literature and designs experiments to understand and improve tool performance.
- Identifies potential problems and devises and implements solutions, which may include potential upgrades to equipment.
- Consults with users to refine or adapt etch methodologies to fit specific experiment requirements and collaborates in developing new techniques.
- Suggests options for improving process quality across the facility's plasma etch tools.
Data Analysis
- Conducts analyses of process and tool-performance data, and interprets and implements research methodology based on the outcome of such analyses.
- Applies data management, processing, and programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) to evaluate and optimize etch processes.
- May review and critique reports and analyses of graduate students and/or postdoctoral researchers.
Publications and Presentations
- Primary deliverable: produces solutions to widely applicable ALD and/or plasma etching process challenges at MIT.nano and aggregates knowledge and insights into the facility's set of tools.
- Summarizes findings in white papers and application notes for the MIT.nano user community, expected on a 3-month interval. Topics are set through discussion with MIT.nano staff, leadership, and industry mentors. This is the primary focus of the work.
- May prepare and deliver presentations at staff meetings and MIT.nano user seminars.
Training / Leadership / Supervision
- Educates students and users about processing, fabrication solutions, and approaches.
- May train other research or technical personnel on routine techniques and methods.
Minimum Required Education and Experience:
A PhD in an engineering or science discipline related to micro/nano-fabrication.
Minimum 2 years of related experience in a research environment (which may include experience as a graduate student).
Excellent research and publication record, and proven ability to communicate and teach. Proven ability to independently design, execute, and optimize a broad range of fabrication processes. Practical and theoretical familiarity with many process categories (e.g. lithography, ALD, ALE, plasma etching, PECVD deposition, diffusion, etc.), but in-depth knowledge of ALD and/or plasma etching is required. Expertise in data management and processing, and associated programming experience (e.g. Python, MATLAB, etc.).
Must be methodical, detail-oriented, and a critical thinker that is willing to learn and perform a wide range of tasks with minimal supervision. Enthusiasm for educating students about processing, fabrication solutions and approaches. Must have excellent interpersonal, planning, organizational, presentation, analytical, and written and oral communication skills; attention to detail, accuracy, quality, and time sensitivity; interest in delving into complex problems.
Preferred Education and Experience:
Experience interfacing with equipment vendors and the semiconductor/equipment industry.
Familiarity with shared/core facility operations and lab management.