Postdoctoral Fellow: Ferroelectric Thin-Film Science

Job Summary

This effort will involve exploration of emergent ferroic order and properties. It will involve the design, production and study of novel dipolar phases, states of matter, and emergent phenomena in ferroic materials. As part of this program, we will develop understanding of polarization topologies in thin films with atomic-scale perfection such that competing energy scales can be controlled to produce the formation of unexpected (and thus emergent) phenomena without significant interference from extrinsic materials limitations (i.e., defects, granularity, etc.). The candidates will work as part of a multi-group team with collaborators working on first principles-based atomistic simulations, phase-field modeling, thin-film synthesis, and advanced characterization methodologies that will enable the team to predict and realize new and exotic dipolar textures. The goal of the program is to develop these approaches so that deterministic, on-demand control of order-parameter topologies can be achieved, provide fundamental insights into the mechanisms for such phase formation, and probe the field-, temperature-, stress-, and optically-driven responses of these emergent states and their application in prototype test structures and devices. Candidates will work closely with graduate students and other postdocs as well as other investigators at Drexel and other institutions as part of a ten-institution center-scale effort and will be tasked with supporting program reporting and meeting requirements. Candidates will have access to new state-of-the-art instrumentation for film growth, X-ray diffraction, properties characterizations, and UV laser spectroscopy, shared micro- and nanofabrication at the Quattrone Nanofabrication Facility of the Singh Center at the University of Pennsylvania.

Essential Functions

• Other duties as assigned
• Thin film deposition and structural and properties characterizations
• Assist in mentoring and training of PhD and undergraduate students in the lab
• Routine maintenance and diagnostics of experimental systems and coordinate service by OEM service provider(s) as needed
• Develop models to describe physical phenomena, in conjunction with theory collaborators
• Conduct analyses of experimental data
• Laser spectroscopic investigations of film materials
• Prepare and deliver conference presentations, manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and other reports as needed

Required Qualifications

• Synthesis of epitaxial complex oxide thin films via pulsed laser deposition
• Dielectric, piezoelectric and ferroelectric device micro-fabrication and property measurement in thin-film geometries
• Experience in and fundamental understanding of the following areas:
  • Synthesis of epitaxial complex oxide thin films via pulsed laser deposition
  • X-ray Structural characterizations of epitaxial thin-film materials including in situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction
  • Dielectric, piezoelectric and ferroelectric device micro-fabrication and property measurement in thin-film geometries
• PhD or Doctorate in materials science and engineering, physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field and a demonstrated record of research accomplishments evidenced in peer-reviewed publications or Equivalent
• X-ray Structural characterizations of epitaxial thin-film materials including in situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction
• 1-2 years’ related experience, could be concurrent with pursuit of PhD

Preferred Qualifications

• On-wafer RF microwave device measurements and analyses
• Experience in and fundamental understanding of the following areas:
  • Inelastic light (Raman and Brillouin) scattering spectroscopy, fiber-optics, LHe cryostats, including superconducting
  • On-wafer RF microwave device measurements and analyses
  • Scanning probe microscopy-based techniques
• Inelastic light (Raman and Brillouin) scattering spectroscopy, fiber-optics, LHe cryostats, including superconducting
• Scanning probe microscopy-based techniques

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table

Location

University City – Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information

This position is classified as Exempt with a salary grade of I. For more information regarding Drexel’s Professional Staff salary structure, https://drexel.edu/hr/career/ducomp/salstructure/

Please review the Benefits Brochure for some information on our benefits offerings.

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

Review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.