Address
Form of work
SalaryPosting Title
Researcher I .
Location
CO - Golden .
Position Type
Regular .
Hours Per Week
40 .
Working at NREL
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.
NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.
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Note: Research suggests that potential job seekers may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to apply. We seek dedicated people who believe they have the skills and ambition to succeed at NREL to apply for this role.
Job Description
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
The III-V Photovoltaics group is looking for a researcher to help advance NREL’s state-of-the-art III-V solar cell technology. The employee will design and fabricate devices using MOVPE growth and cleanroom processing techniques, help develop new fabrication techniques, and characterize the solar cells using standard PV tools such as IV, QE, and CV. The ability to work with minimal supervision, while maintaining consistent high-quality standards and adhering to critical safety procedures, is required.
The researcher will perform a variety of duties to support the fabrication and characterization of NREL’s world-record photovoltaic devices. These include:
- Perform work in a class 100-1000 cleanroom processing laboratory.
- Design semiconductor layer structures for III-V devices.
- Perform various semiconductor material characterization techniques, including x-ray diffraction and measurements of electronic and optical properties
- Perform various photovoltaic characterization techniques, including measurement of quantum efficiency and IV curves.
- Perform work reproducibly with high degree of quality and reliability, with close attention to details and hidden parameters.
- Perform work safely, including work with Hazardous Production Materials (HPMs) and wet chemical etchants.
- Use observation, experience, and interpretation of in-line process diagnostics to maintain high process quality standards for consistency, quality, and repeatability.
- Perform routine maintenance operations on standard laboratory equipment
- Input data into computer databases
- Work closely with other scientists and engineers to contribute towards group projects.
- Apply understanding of processes and procedures to formulate and implement improvements in workflow and safety.
- Apply good written and oral communication skills and accurately maintain detailed written records.
- Participate in project meetings including presenting progress reports, issues, and plans.
- Present work at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals
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Basic Qualifications
Relevant Master's Degree . Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 2 or more years of experience . General knowledge and application of scientific technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and techniques. Training in team, task or project leadership responsibilities. Intermediate abilities and knowledge of practices and techniques. Beginning experience in project management. Good technical writing, interpersonal and communication skills.- Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications
Knowledge of materials, methods, and tools used in semiconductor processing. Ability to communicate and work well with others. Capable of working efficiently with minimal supervision in collaboration with scientists and engineers
Teamwork and collaboration define the modern scientific approach, and the employee will be expected to collaborate, be open to new ideas, and recognize the contribution of others. Inclusion and diversity are core values, and the employee will be expected to support a work environment that maximizes the unique talents and innovative ideas of every other employee.
Preferred Qualifications
- Two years relevant technical experience with semiconductor growth and processing, including performing photolithography and related processing tasks in a semiconductor cleanroom.
- Demonstrated expertise in safe use, repair, and maintenance of laboratory test apparatus including the necessary electrical circuits, vacuum systems, support structure, and associated measurement devices.
- Demonstrated experience in maintaining computer systems and/or databases.
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Job Application Submission Window
The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)
Job Profile: Researcher I / Annual Salary Range: $63,600 - $104,900 NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.
Benefits Summary
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-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; and tuition reimbursement*. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.- Based on eligibility rules
Drug Free Workplace
NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Submission Guidelines
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
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EEO Policy
NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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