NIWC - Graduate Student I - QENDL Project (Task No. 55-132606) at San Diego State University Research Foundation – San Diego, California

The hourly rate for this position is $22.84 per hour for Graduate Student I and is non-negotiable.

This position is open until filled

Under direction, incumbents must have course work in the discipline requested on the task order Statement of Work.

This Statement of Work covers the need for student services to synthesize and characterize large area 2D and quantum material samples using methods such as Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) as well as to synthesize and characterize small area 2D and quantum material samples using methods such as mechanical exfoliation. The student will assist in operating a state-of-the-art ultra-high vacuum (UHV) Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) chamber featuring a load-lock assembly and Reflection High Energy Electron Diffraction (RHEED) in-situ diagnostics and high-energy solid-state laser to conduct experiments on a design of experiments (DOE) to optimize recipes towards high-quality monolayer films of 2D materials. The student will also grow 2D and quantum materials via Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and prepare mechanically exfoliated 2D and quantum materials at their academic institution and characterize those materials in the Quantum Engineered Nano Devices Laboratory (QENDL) at NIWC Pacific. The student will utilize different material characterization methods both at NIWC Pacific and their academic institution for data analysis of the produced thin films. The PLD work will be performed at NIWC Pacific, while the CVD and mechanically exfoliated flake work will be performed at their academic institution.

The student contractor shall provide analytical and technical support in the following areas as specified under individual task orders, to the work sponsor:

Fabrication, Characterization, and Analysis of large-area monolayer 2D and quantum materials via PLD and CVD and of small-area monolayer 2D and quantum materials via mechanical exfoliation:

• Assist with the design, development, sustainment, and operation of experimental setups (UHV PLD Chamber and solid-state high-energy laser) in the lab to synthesize large area and high-quality monolayer 2D and quantum materials on various substrates implementing a design of experiments (DOE).
• Assist with the design, development, and sustainment of experimental setups in the lab to implement and perform various material characterization methods (e.g. Reflection High Energy Electron Diffraction RHEED) in-situ diagnostics, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Photoluminescence (PL), Optical Microscopy, etc.) to quantitatively ascertain the quality of the grown PLD films.
• Prepare large area CVD films of 2D and quantum materials using Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) at their academic institution and characterize their material quality both at their academic institution and NIWC Pacific.
• Prepare small area mechanically exfoliated flakes of monolayer 2D and quantum materials at their academic institution and characterize their material quality both at their academic institution and NIWC Pacific.
• Stay abreast of the prior art and recent literature in this field of research, provide updated presentations to sponsor to guide the experiments, and document findings for records management.
• Assist with design, development, and sustainment of data gathering, data analysis, manuscript preparation, patent preparation, Power Point slide documentation of design of experiments.

Graduate Student 1: Under general direction, incumbents must be enrolled in a masters degree program related to the required discipline requested on the task order statement of work. Under general direction, incumbents must be enrolled in a masters degree program related to the required discipline requested on the task order statement of work.

Minimum Qualifications Requirements:

Graduate Level 1 or above: Physics or Electrical Engineering major preferred.

Relevant coursework and/or experience:

• Phys 357 Advance Measurements Laboratory (or equivalent)
• Phys 532 Condensed Materials (or equivalent)
• Phys 406 Optics (or equivalent)
• Phys 410 Quantum Mechanics (or equivalent)

Desired Coursework and/or relevant work and/or laboratory experience:

• Phys 311 Electronics for Scientists Laboratory (or equivalent)

Additional Qualifications Desired:

• Python, or other software programming experience.
• Ability to read and implement technical documents or test standards.
• Comfortable with working independently and in group settings.
• Flexible with learning new programming languages and performing data analysis based on project’s needs.
• Ability to read and implement technical documents, research literature, or test standards.
• Independent/self-starter who can operate under minimal oversight.
• Collaborative/team-player who can work well with groups.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• This position will require the employee to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
• The student will work at NIWC Pacific.
• Due to the regulations established by the Department of Defense, only US Citizens may qualify.
• This is a student position and is limited to working 20 hours per week.
• This position will remain open until filled.
• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.