Job Description

Basic Function:

Serves in a temporary position that enables an individual with their Ph.D. to continue their training as a researcher and gain skills and experience that will prepare them for their research career in academia or elsewhere. As a postdoc, the position can perform mostly independent research, collaborate on a multi-scholar research initiative, or even may have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger research project or program, all while under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.

This is a temporary opportunity with an anticipated duration of 2.5 years.

Department Overview:

This fellowship will be housed in the Atomic Films Laboratory of Professor Elton Graugnard in the Boise State Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering (https://atomicfilmslab.org) and will work closely with the computational, device, and simulation teams, as well as with the education and mentorship teams comprising ASWESOME. This position will inform computational approaches for growing physical materials with a focus on developing atomic layer processing ferroelectric thin films and their integration with devices. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the impacts of precursor selection, surface preparation, and process conditions using experimental and computational techniques. Fundamental mechanisms will be studied in detail using in situ and ex situ characterization techniques.

Level Scope:

After earning a Ph.D., the next step in the academic or research career path is often a postdoc. A postdoc is a continuation of a researcher’s training that enables them to further their professional development and start to transition from student to independent researcher. Postdocs also often take additional leadership or teaching responsibilities in their laboratory or department. These positions are usually two to three years and it is not unusual for a researcher to do more than one postdoc.

Essential Functions:

60% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow may:

• Problem solve research challenges and model development, as applicable.
• Contribute discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.
• Prepare complete documentation of research activities for reference purposes, including following applicable data management protocols.
• Analyze, interpret, and document research findings for review.
• Compare actual and expected results and suggest solutions to correct the deviations.
• Evaluate existing research or modeling techniques and recommend improvements to ensure quality and productivity.
• Assist in the preparation of proposals and reports.
• Assist in teaching classes.

35% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow may:

• Design and conduct experimental research in atomic layer deposition and annealing.
• Develop atomic scale processes to deliver high-quality ferroelectric thin films for next-
  generation computing applications.
• Work closely with modeling team in Subproject 1 and device teams in Subproject 3 and
  other project collaborators.
• Publish high-impact research in top-tier materials science and applied physics journals.
• Present research at national/international conferences.
• Participate in reflective mentoring practices in support of team cohesion.

5% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow may:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Basic:

• The selected candidate must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the proposed term of the appointment.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer reviewed publications.
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data.
• Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general.
• Excellent project and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and mentoring skills.
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the work place.

Preferred:

• Hands-on experience with vacuum system hardware
• Experience with atomic layer deposition and process development
• Experience with thin film and materials characterization
• Strong background in computational materials science and machine learning applications
• Proficiency in programming and data analysis languages (LabVIEW, Python, MatLab,
  OriginPro, JMP, or similar)
• Knowledge of ferroelectric materials and their properties
• Advanced knowledge of complex oxide and nitride synthesis
• Experience with perovskite and fluorite material systems
• Familiarity with rare-earth compounds and orthoferrites

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline such as materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or physics.

Salary and Benefits: Salary range is $55,057.60 to $65,000.00 annually and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)
• Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)
• 11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
• See our full benefits page for more information!

Required Application Materials:

• Cover letter under 2 pages, 12pt font, that clearly and concisely connects candidate professional goals to the job qualifications
• Curriculum vitae demonstrating organizational skills, professional preparation, and products
• Research statement under 2 pages, 12pt font, concisely describing vision for integrating experimental research in thin film synthesis fundamentals with ML-driven discovery (upstream) and device integration (downstream)
• Contact information for three professional references
• Representative publications demonstrating expertise in relevant areas

Please note, our application system will accept a maximum of 5 document uploads. Please consolidate your documents accordingly if needed.

About Us:

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/