Engineering a world of possibilities

Colorado School of Mines invites applications for a position which is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program in support of CHIPS Act project "Electro-acoustic metrology of piezoelectric materials for wireless communications". NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

Primary responsibilities will be film growth by reactive magnetron sputtering, chemical and structural characterization, and measurement, interpretation, and analysis of electrical and electromechanical properties. Such work will be carried out in close collaboration with partners at NIST as well as the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), industry partners, and colleagues at other universities. The position will require publishing findings in peer reviewed journals, presenting the work at project meetings and scientific conferences, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. Ample opportunity for authoring and co-authoring funding proposals will also be provided. The candidate must be comfortable with the measurement and interpretation of piezoelectric properties, ferroelectric hysteresis, and/or semiconductor devices.

Responsibilities

• Thin film growth (and monitoring / optimization of such) via reactive magnetron sputtering

• Measurement, interpretation, analysis, and reporting of structural, chemical, electrical, and electromechanical characteristics of thin films

• Mentoring students working on collaborative projects

• Interaction with interdisciplinary partners on publication, reporting, and device prototyping

• Play critical role in writing up research for project reports and archival journals and presenting results at national and international conferences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in materials science and engineering or related field with an emphasis on semiconductor devices, functional ceramics, or related topics.

• Basic experience with vacuum chambers

• Experience with materials characterization such as x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, Scanning probe microscopy, etc.

• Measurement and interpretation of electrical properties using probe station.

• Laboratory safety training

• Strong oral and written communication in English language
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Film growth via RF magnetron sputtering

• Textured/epitaxial film analysis via advanced diffraction techniques such as rocking curve, pole figure, and/or reciprocal space mapping.

• Measurement and analysis of piezoelectric and/or ferroelectric properties

• Characterization of RF resonator devices.

About Mines & Golden, CO

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines' scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that's manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 "Very High Activity" research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world's problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.

Annual Rate and Benefits

$70,200 per year

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate's education, training and experience as well as the position's scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:

• Fully paid health and dental premiums

• Generous sick/vacation time

• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution

• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)

• Free RTD Ecopass

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the on-campus Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more), equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center, the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), and backup child and elder care. Coming soon is an on-campus daycare center. For more information about benefits at Mines, go to .

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on Monday, May 6th. Applications will continue to be considered until the position is filled. Complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status). Applications must include: 1) a cover letter stating area of interest as related to job posting.; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) names and contact information of three professional references.

Contact Kathleen Feighny, Human Resources, at with any questions about this opportunity.

A Background check will be required upon offer.

Equal Opportunity

Mines' commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting