Research Scientist (PREP0003610)

Overview

PREP Research Associate — CHIPS Funded Project

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. The PREP program supports collaboration with researchers at academic institutions on projects of mutual interest. Staff from a wide range of backgrounds work on scientific research, and employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the collaboration’s scientific research.

Research Title

Biointerface Metrology for CMOS Sensors

The work will entail

The project develops measurement metrology capabilities to characterize biological films attached to semiconductor substrates. Measurements will support the development of more robust semiconductor biosensors for life sciences applications. The project requires close collaboration with material scientists and theorists at NIST, as well as external stakeholders to transfer NIST measurements to industry. It will meet critical milestones in the bioelectronic sensing project and support the CHIPS metrology program.

Key responsibilities

• Utilize surface functionalization techniques such as thiol or silane chemistry to develop robust biotic–abiotic interfaces.
• Design, assemble, and characterize biotic–abiotic interfaces using biomolecules such as DNA or proteins.
• Perform tasks related to design of experiments and test fixtures to support surface functionalization experiments.
• Plan and perform measurements of samples from stakeholders that deposit biotic–abiotic interfaces using vapor deposition.
• Analyze data with MATLAB, Mathematica, or similar software to extract features and information indicative of biomarker detection and characterization.
• Present results at internal meetings and occasional external stakeholder meetings.
• Ensure that results, protocols, software, and documentation are properly archived.

Qualifications

• A PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience with biological materials (e.g., DNA).
• At least 3 years of relevant experience with surface science and surface characterization techniques (e.g., electrochemical impedance spectroscopy or cyclic voltammetry).
• Familiarity with electronic measurements and instrumentation.
• Ability to prototype analysis tools for data reduction and time-series analysis.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Application Instructions

Please upload the following with your application:

• CV/Resume (CV limited to 3 pages; include only a valid email address for contact information)
• Self portraits
• Phone number
• Home address/country
• Citizenship status
• Languages spoken
• Sex/Gender

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Other Information

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