Postdoctoral Research Associate - Coherent X-ray Simulations and Experiments for Developing AI/ML Solutions Toward Advanced EUV Lithography - Brookhaven National Laboratory

The NSLS-II is seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a collaborative research effort on developing novel methods, applicable for extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) nanofabrication beyond the conventional approaches, taking advantage of the world-leading expertise in X-ray metrology at NSLS-II, nanofabrication at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN), and AI/ML at the Computational Science Initiative (CSI), within the Brookhaven National Laboratory. 

The selected candidate will collaborate on solving inverse problem, relevant for interference lithography process, by deploying rigorous wavefront simulations and AI/ML networks that account for the light-matter interactions in various wavelength regimes, and real light source parameters such as coherence, polarization, monochromaticity, and flux uniformity. For validating the developed methods, the candidate is expected to conduct x-ray characterizations, using state-of-the-art microscopy techniques like coherent scattering and imaging. As a member of the Imaging & Microscopy Program at NSLS-II, the candidate is encouraged to collaborate with the other team members using the state-of-the-art capabilities of the imaging and microscopy beamlines at NSLS-II. In addition, the selected candidate will opportunities for collaborating with researchers at external facilities such as the Advanced Light Source of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the X-ray Interference Lithography beamline at Paul Scherrer Institute of Swiss Light Source.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

•        Develop forward wavefront simulation methods and explore inversion methods, relevant to co-designing of interference EUV masks.   

•        Implement appropriate AI/ML methods.

•        Perform coherent x-ray scattering, imaging and lithography experiments to validate and improve simulation approaches. 

•        Present results to the scientific and industrial community via peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•    Ph.D. in Physics, Computer Science, Material Science, or related discipline.
•    Demonstrated expertise in scattering or imaging methods, or simulations of wavefront propagation.
•    Demonstrated experience in computational programming. 
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills.
•    Ability to work independently, while interacting effectively in a collaborative team to solve problems.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•    Demonstrated experience in coherent scattering or imaging simulation using wave propagation methods.
•    Significant hands-on experience in X-ray scattering/imaging experiments and relevant data analysis.
•    Demonstrated experience in Python programming.
•    Knowledge of machine-learning algorithms. 

BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of
relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The salary range for this position is $78,000 - $82,000. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate are committed to your success. We offer a supportive work environment and the resources necessary for you to succeed.