Description

Traceable nanostructure measurements to make AI reliable for quantum and semiconductor manufacturing

The Nanostructure Fabrication and Measurement Group in the Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division of the Physical Measurement Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology seeks expressions of interest from scientists and engineers at a range of career stages for anticipated research opportunities in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Depending on qualifications, responsibilities could range from postdoctoral research to leadership of a research project and team.

The scientific opportunity is to develop SI-traceable measurement methods for nanostructures. A central aim is to design and use physical reference structures that can be measured by multiple microscopy methods; reveal and quantify systematic differences among those methods; characterize instrument response; and determine the bias, uncertainty, and limits of validity of AI inference models. Where independent measurements are consistent, they may then be combined to establish higher-confidence reference values.

The goal is to provide reliable physical ground truth, quantified uncertainty, and validated measurement methods that enable AI to be trained and evaluated properly. The resulting capabilities could support quantum and semiconductor manufacturing through improved instrument comparison, process measurement, model validation, and transfer of measurements across tools and laboratories.

Research outputs may include new measurement methods, reference structures and standards, uncertainty analyses, physical and computational models, benchmark datasets, calibration procedures, software, and scientific publications.

Relevant backgrounds may include nanoscale dimensional metrology; scanning electron, atomic force, optical, or other microscopy methods; instrument-sample interaction modeling; nanofabrication; inverse problems; statistics and uncertainty quantification; scientific machine learning; semiconductor metrology; or quantum-device fabrication and measurement. No candidate is expected to cover all these areas. Nanofabrication experience is welcome but is not required, because candidates would work within a Group that integrates fabrication and measurement capabilities.

Candidates should demonstrate scientific or engineering accomplishment appropriate to their career stage, rigorous thinking about measurement and uncertainty, and an ability to work across experimental and computational disciplines. Candidates with established leadership experience may be considered for project leadership. Candidates at earlier career stages may be considered for roles that contribute to and help shape the developing research effort.

To express interest, please send a curriculum vitae and a brief statement describing your relevant experience and the measurement capability you would seek to develop to:

Samuel M. Stavis
Leader, Nanostructure Fabrication and Measurement Group
National Institute of Standards and Technology
sstavis@nist.gov

Please use the subject line “Traceable Nanostructure Measurements”. Expressions of interest will be reviewed as they are received.

NIST anticipates recruiting in this area, subject to available funding, organizational approval, and applicable hiring processes. This posting is intended for outreach and expressions of interest; it is not a formal vacancy announcement or a guarantee that a position will be filled. Appointment level, appointment mechanism, eligibility, and citizenship requirements will depend on the eventual opportunity. The U.S. Department of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a similar advanced degree, or equivalent research experience
• Demonstrated research experience relevant to the scientific opportunity
• Evidence of scientific or engineering accomplishment commensurate with career stage
• Ability to develop rigorous quantitative approaches to measurement problems and to communicate results clearly
• Ability to work effectively across experimental and computational disciplines and in collaborative research teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SI-traceable measurement, calibration, uncertainty evaluation, or reference measurements
• Expertise in nanoscale microscopy, instrumentation, physical modeling, or nanofabrication
• Experience comparing measurement methods or quantifying systematic measurement differences
• Experience with scientific machine learning, AI, inverse problems, or uncertainty quantification
• Experience relevant to quantum or semiconductor device measurement and manufacturing
• For senior candidates, demonstrated research leadership and collaboration across disciplines or institutions
• At least five years of relevant research experience
• U.S. citizenship is preferred, as NIST is committed to a rigorous selection process that prioritizes the appointment of U.S. citizens into research positions: https://www.nist.gov/careers/associate-positions