Van der Waals Materials Scientist & Engineer

The Geballe Lab for Advanced Materials (GLAM) is a transdisciplinary Independent Laboratory within the Office of the Vice Provost & Dean of Research, which spearheads innovative, collaborative, and high-impact research in bio-inspired materials, sustainability, quantum science and engineering, and electronic and magnetic systems. With 30 faculty and ~250 students, postdocs, and scientific staff spanning six home departments – primarily Physics, Applied Physics, and Materials Science & Engineering – GLAM’s research portfolio is large, complex, and highly-heterogeneous, involving strong relationships with many Stanford academic and administrative units, SLAC, and federal and non-federal sponsors.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Goldhaber-Gordon Lab is seeking a Van der Waals Materials Scientist & Engineer (henceforth “Materials Scientist”) to implement and improve techniques for making and characterizing stacks of layered Van der Waals materials, such as graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, and transition metal dichalcogenides. The Materials Scientist will also participate in measuring the electronic states that arise in these stacks, and will collaborate with other scientists at Stanford University.

This recruitment is for a three-year, fixed-term, 100% FTE benefits-eligible position and may be renewable in the future based on funding availability.

CORE DUTIES:

• Perform optical microscopy, optical spectroscopy, and scanning probe measurements on Van der Waals layers and heterostructures.
• Create data analysis procedures to extract structural information from such measurements.
• In consultation with other scientists at Stanford and using the results of the characterization measurements noted above, identify aspects of existing locally-developed stacking hardware, software, and operating procedures that could be improved to make stacking more efficient and reliable. Prioritize changes, implement them, and test the results.
• In consultation with Stanford colleagues, identify designs for Van der Waals heterostructures that might be expected to host novel electronic states. Using tools noted above, make such heterostructures and characterize their structure.
• Participate in cryogenic electrical measurements of these heterostructures, and analysis of the resulting data.
• Help maintain and troubleshoot experimental tools, techniques, and laboratory infrastructure relevant to making and characterizing Van der Waals stacks. Train Stanford students and postdoctoral researchers in use of these tools and techniques.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.
• Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals.
• Other duties as assigned by Professor David Goldhaber-Gordon.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in physics, materials science, applied physics, applied math, or a related discipline. Demonstrated skill at the numerical analysis of large datasets.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience with some of the following:
• Characterizing and stacking Van der Waals materials
• Comparing experimental measurements to theory of electronic properties of semiconductors
• Mechanical design of motorized apparatus
• Using high-vacuum systems (down to 10-6 torr)
• Optical microscope imaging and/or spectroscopy
• Scientific programming, preferably in Python, but MATLAB, C++, or other environments would also meet the core needs.
• Interfacing computers with scientific apparatus.
• Ability to synthesize complex technical and scientific information.
• Ability to make quality decisions in a timely manner. Ability to routinely and independently exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Ability and desire to work in a collaborative environment, building relationships to foster trust and work toward common goals.
• Dependable delivery of results, with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Demonstrated empathy and active-listening skills, focused on developing meaningful and long-lasting relationships with faculty, trainee, and administrative colleagues of all career levels and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, taking relevant audiences into consideration.
• Optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills.
• Interest and proactiveness in continuing to learn and develop.
• Adaptability, maintaining an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently stand/walk, sitting, grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
• Occasionally use a telephone.
• Rarely lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11-20 pounds.

* Consistent with its obligations under the law, the university will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORK STANDARDS

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable university policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide.

The expected pay range for this position is $40.98 to $49.69 per hour.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for you:
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!