Researcher III - CdTe Interface and Fabrication Scientist

Posting Title

Researcher III - CdTe Interface and Fabrication Scientist

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Location

CO - Golden

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Position Type

Limited Term (Fixed Term)

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Hours Per Week

40

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Working at NLR

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development.

Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.

At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

Job Description

A limited-term Researcher III position is available in NLR’s Thin-Film Innovations group in the Materials Science Center. The job is focused on surface/interface analysis, interface engineering, device fabrication, and module durability of CdTe thin-film photovoltaic devices and materials. The position would contribute to several applied development projects that support the CdTe core team, CdTe Accelerator Consortium (CTAC) leadership, Durable Module Materials Consortium (DuraMAT), and cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) partners. Direct experience in CdTe photovoltaics is not an explicit requirement, but the successful candidate will be expected to have spent time gaining some familiarity with the field and its challenges as well as demonstrate applicable skills. 

Primary duties involve interface studies of CdTe photovoltaics and packaging materials that require characterization such as photoelectron spectroscopy, inverse photoemission, Auger electron spectroscopy, electron back scatter diffraction, along with synthesis of two-dimensional and thin-film materials. In addition, candidates should be prepared to help find solutions to device and material performance barriers that are identified during their investigation. The work will include some equipment maintenance. The Researcher will be expected to present data at team meetings and to project sponsors. Journal publications are expected from this work.

NLR has a strong safety culture, and the candidate is expected to adhere to and promote this culture. In addition, teamwork and collaboration define the modern scientific approach, and the Researcher will be expected to collaborate, mentor students and junior team members, be open to new ideas, and recognize the contribution of others.  The Researcher will be expected to support a work environment that maximizes the unique talents and innovative ideas of every employee.

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Basic Qualifications

Relevant PhD . Or, relevant Master's Degree and 3 or more years of experience . Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 5 or more years of experience . Demonstrates complete understanding and wide application of scientific technical procedures, principles, theories and concepts in the field. General knowledge of other related disciplines. Demonstrates leadership in one or more areas of team, task or project lead responsibilities. Demonstrated experience in management of projects. Very good technical writing, interpersonal and communication skills.

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical or Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with and in-depth knowledge of several material characterization methods, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, or ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy.
• Experience in the growth and/or processing of materials, through methods such as sputtering and solution processing.
• Proven ability to maintain complex synthesis and/or characterization instruments, particularly vacuum-based equipment.
• Strong knowledge of inorganic thin films and semiconductor materials, particularly chalcogenides, oxides, or related material systems.
• Qualified candidates must demonstrate skill in interpreting and assessing the experimental results of their own work and that of others and demonstrate a record of success from graduate and/or post-graduate work in this area. 
• Ability to understand data using conventional methods and contribute to novel technique development.
• Good interpersonal, oral and written communication skills are essential for success in this role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in basic thin-film solar-cell characterization techniques.
• Knowledge of device physics.
• PV device characterization by methods such as external quantum efficiency (EQE), flash current-voltage (IV) testing, and optical spectroscopy.
• Strong motivation, ability to work on collaborative projects, ability to balance different types of tasks and deadlines.
• Demonstration of research capability to solve challenging problems with limited guidance.
• Active computer skills in programing (e.g., Python, C, Igor Pro, etc.) and/or data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to and write proposals.
• Experience working with external academic and industrial collaborators.
• Established track record in scientific writing, presentation, publishing, and communication.
• A self-starting attitude and initiative are highly valued.

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Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: Researcher III / Annual Salary Range: $83,600 - $150,500

NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.

* Based on eligibility rules

Badging Requirement

NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

Drug Free Workplace

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodations

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