Experimental Materials Scientist / Engineer

The mission of the Advanced Materials and Microsystems Group in the Advanced Technology Division is to research and develop a broad array of electronic, electro-optic, and RF materials and devices to develop leap-ahead capability in support of national security. Our materials research enterprise spans the materials development cycle from computation and theory to growth, processing, and characterization, and complements RF, imager, and quantum computing technology development in the division.

Job Description

The Advanced Materials and Microsystems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory seeks a technical staff to spearhead and grow the enterprise focused on experimental materials development for critical national security applications. Initial focus will be on new materials for microelectronics, including wide-bandgap semiconductors, such as the growth and doping of cubic boron nitride on diamond. Additional responsibilities will include the development of experimental methods as part of the AI-enabled rapid materials discovery team. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strategic business acumen and strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills. Occasional travel is required to meet with sponsors and participate in professional conferences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and conduct hands-on experimental research in advanced materials synthesis, processing, and characterization
• Help develop and execute a strategic roadmap for the materials enterprise, aligning experimental research with national security priorities
• Serve as a subject matter expert for the new material synthesis and processing thrust of the AI-enabled rapid material discovery program
• Define and propose new research and development opportunities with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and reporting to meet organizational and sponsor objectives
• Lead, mentor, and participate in multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and collaboration
• Write and publish technical reports, manuscripts, and proposals detailing research methods, findings, and strategic implications.

Requirements

• PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or related field. Equivalent experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to create, fabricate, and analyze materials for specific applications and use cases
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and build teams
• Active or eligible to obtain a Secret security clearance
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, including ability to communicate experimental results to experts and non-experts, government sponsors, and internal stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills

Desired Skills

• Demonstrated ability to grow and process thin-film electronic materials
• Thorough understanding of wide band gap semiconductor materials and their associated processing methods
• Growth and processing expertise in cubic boron nitride (c-BN), diamond, or established and emerging wide-bandgap semiconductors
• Expertise in material growth reactor and processing tool design and fabrication
• Expertise in a broad array of inorganic material systems
• Familiarity with computational materials science with linkage to experimental methods
• Familiarity with semiconductor device physics
• Experience in successfully guiding and leading interdisciplinary technical programs
• Experience defining and executing technology roadmaps
• Six or more years of post-graduate experience as an experimental materials researcher

Expertise outside the named disciplines will be considered for exceptional candidates

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200-$170,000

Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200-$220,000

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including—but not limited to—the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT-funded pension
• Matching 401K
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• A range of work-life balance options
• ... and much more!

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks