National Laboratory of the Rockies · 1 day ago
Postdoctoral researcher—Thin film photoabsorber development
Golden, CO
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$77K/yr - $126K/yrThe National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work on the development of inorganic polycrystalline thin film photoabsorber materials. The role involves synthesis, characterization, and processing of thin film semiconductor materials for applications in photoelectrochemical fuel production, requiring collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.
EnergyRenewable EnergyClean EnergyCleanTech
Responsibilities
Work on the development of inorganic polycrystalline thin film photoabsorber materials
Involve synthesis, characterization, and processing of chalcogenide and pnictide thin film semiconductor materials for applications as light absorbers and photoelectrodes in photoelectrochemical fuel production
Involve thin film deposition, with a focus on multilayer device stack fabrication, and characterization of semiconductor structure and properties, with a focus on measurements of photoexcited carrier dynamics and charge transport
Setting up and maintaining existing experimental equipment, and improving/developing data collection and analysis software
Develop their own work for publication and collaborate closely with others to provide material and publish work beyond synthesis or device fabrication
Qualification
Required
Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years
Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date
Candidates should have direct experience in at least two of the following areas:
Hands-on experience with thin film vacuum deposition tools, such as reactive sputtering, co-evaporation, or molecular beam epitaxy
Background developing and optimizing polycrystalline photoabsorber materials and interfacial/contact layers, including device level work
Working knowledge of photoexcited carrier dynamics measurement methods, such as time resolved photoluminescence, transient absorption spectroscopy, etc
Experience in fabrication and characterization of semiconductor junctions for optoelectronic applications
Established track record in scientific writing, presentation, publication, and communication
Strong self-motivation, ability to work on collaborative projects and to balance different types of tasks and deadlines
Preferred
Proven ability to maintain complex synthesis and characterization equipment, in particular high vacuum instruments using hazardous production materials
Expertise in novel chemical spaces with underexplored materials compositions (ternary or multinary) or unusual crystal structures (zintl, chalcopyrite, kesterite etc)
Experience in fabrication and characterization of polycrystalline thin film photovoltaic absorbers materials and devices such as CdTe, CIGS, CZTS
In-depth knowledge of one or several characterization methods used to determine the composition and structure of inorganic materials
Hands on skills in assembly, troubleshooting and use of photoelectrochemical electrodes and cell fixtures
Basic understanding of photoelectrochemical measurement and characterization methods
Prior experience with high-throughput experimental (combinatorial), data-drive, or AI/ML-assisted research methods and techniques
Active computer skills in programing (e.g. C or Igor Pro, Python, LabView, Matlab, etc.), statistical data analysis, and/or software development
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Short-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
Company
National Laboratory of the Rockies
The U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for energy systems research and development.
Founded in 1977
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$166.09MKey Investors
US Department of EnergyARPA-E
2024-09-04Grant
2023-09-21Grant· $1M
2023-05-22Grant· $150M
Leadership Team
Clay Sumner
Deputy Chief Financial Officer
Jennifer L.
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2026-02-11
2026-01-16
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