nDesigns and executes scientific investigations to develop and optimize MOCVD processes for YBCO thin-film deposition using high molecular weight solid precursors
.Establishes precursor decomposition pathways and reaction mechanisms governing film growth
.Investigates gas-phase chemistry, surface adsorption and desorption kinetics, and transport phenomena that influence deposition behavior
.Defines and refines process windows that maximize film quality, uniformity, reproducibility, and throughput
.Implements and interprets in-situ and ex-situ diagnostics to understand deposition chemistry and process behavior
.Correlates diagnostic results with film growth outcomes and deposition performance
.Applies design-of-experiments (DOE) methodologies to evaluate process parameters and drive continuous improvement
.Develops predictive models describing deposition behavior and process sensitivity
.Strategy & Plannin
gContributes to R&D roadmaps advancing HTS deposition capabilities and scaling MOCVD processes for manufacturing platforms
.Evaluates new precursor systems, reactor configurations, and deposition approaches to improve film performance and process capability
.Analyzes how reactor architecture and subsystem design influence film growth mechanisms and process stability
.Collaborates with equipment engineering teams to improve precursor delivery systems, reactor design, and process control strategies
.Applies statistical analysis, data science, and machine learning techniques to optimize process parameters, predict defects, and detect process drift
.Utilizes kinetic modeling, computational chemistry, or first-principles modeling to deepen understanding of reaction mechanisms and deposition physics
.Mentorship & Collaboratio
nMentors engineers and scientists involved in thin-film deposition and superconducting materials development
.Leads cross-functional scientific investigations involving materials science, process engineering, and equipment development teams
.Partners with characterization teams to correlate film properties with deposition parameters and reaction mechanisms
.Participates in internal technical reviews and cross-functional knowledge sharing
.Documents experimental findings and develops internal frameworks that capture key process insights and scientific learnings
.Minimum Qualification
s Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Applied Physics or related fiel
d.4 years of relevant experience including extensive experience in MOCVD or related vapor deposition processes. An advanced degree may be substituted for required experience on a year-for-year basis, depending on relevance and leve
l.Demonstrated experience in thin film growth mechanisms, reaction chemistry precursor decompositio
n.Preferred Qualificatio
ns PhD degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or related fie
ld.Recognized expertise in field of study; contributes to external collaboratio
ns.Direct experience with YBCO or complex oxide superconducting films, including pinning cente
rs.Experience with high-molecular-weight solid precurso
rs.Familiarity with in-situ diagnostic techniqu
es.Experience developing or modifying MOCVD reactor hardwa
re.Experience with kinetic modeling, computational chemistry, reaction pathway modeli
ng.Experience using machine learning for process developme
nt.Programming experience (JMP, Python, MATLAB, or simila
r).Knowledge, Skills, & Abilit
ies Strong understanding of gas-phase kinetics, surface chemistry, reactor transport pheno
menaHands-on experience with thin-film characterization techni
quesStrong experimental design and statistical analysis capabi
lityStrong scientific judgment and innovation mind