Research Scientist (Diamond Synthesis and Device Fabrication)

Temasek Laboratories@NTU (TL@NTU) is a premier research institute at Nanyang Technological University specializing in advanced defense and security technologies. The institute collaborates with external partners and stakeholders on cutting-edge research in strategic defense systems, advanced materials, power electronics, and semiconductor technologies. TL@NTU houses state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities, thermal evaporation systems, and electrical characterization equipment supporting mission-critical research initiatives.

We are seeking a Research Scientist to lead device fabrication and electrical characterization for developing diamond-based semiconductor devices for next-generation defense electronics.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead cleanroom fabrication of diamond-based electronic devices, including photolithography, thin film deposition, etching, metallization, and device patterning

• Develop and optimize surface charge transfer doping of hydrogen-terminated diamond through thermal evaporation of transition metal oxide (TMO) films, including in-situ annealing protocols for formation of 2-dimensional hole gas (2DHG) channels

• Fabricate low-resistance ohmic contacts and develop process flows for integration of diamond into radiofrequency (RF) field effect transistors (FETs) and high-power electronic devices

• Conduct comprehensive electrical characterization, including sheet resistance, I-V and C-V measurements, Hall effect, contact resistance, and transport property analysis, and extract device parameters

• Verify and optimize the surface transfer doping mechanism and characterize diamond post-deposition to confirm that surface conductivity is maintained

• Operate, and where required install and commission, the Microwave Plasma Chemical Vapour Deposition (MPCVD) reactor and hydrogenation system, and optimize iterative growth protocols for electronic-grade single-crystal diamond

• Execute plasma hydrogen termination of grown crystals and verify hydrogenation effectiveness, including crystal face specificity

• Perform materials characterization using Raman spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to establish quality feedback loops between synthesis, fabrication, and device performance

• Coordinate safe handling and transport of diamond wafers between synthesis and fabrication facilities and ensure adherence to project timelines

• Maintain detailed fabrication protocols, process and equipment documentation, and device characterization records

• Prepare technical reports and presentations for project deliverables and review meetings, and collaborate with external partners and collaborating institutions

Job Requirements:

• PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Applied Physics, or related field with specialization in semiconductor device fabrication and characterization

• Minimum 2-3 years of relevant experience in cleanroom device fabrication, preferably with wide-bandgap semiconductors or novel electronic materials

• Extensive hands-on experience with cleanroom processes including photolithography, thin film deposition (thermal evaporation, sputtering), etching, and metallization

• Strong expertise in electrical characterization techniques including I-V measurements, C-V profiling, Hall effect measurements, and device parameter extraction

• Knowledge of metal oxide thin film deposition and surface functionalization of semiconductors

• Experience with ohmic contact formation and contact resistance measurement techniques

• Understanding of semiconductor device physics, particularly field-effect transistors, surface conductivity mechanisms, and charge transfer processes

• Proficiency in device simulation tools and electrical measurement equipment (probe stations, parameter analyzers, etc.)

• Experience with diamond, SiC, GaN, or other wide-bandgap semiconductor devices is highly desirable

• Excellent written and oral communication skills with proven publication record in device physics or semiconductor technology

• Strong project management and organizational skills with demonstrated ability to meet strict deadlines

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams and multiple institutions

• Rigorous adherence to cleanroom protocols, safety procedures, and contamination control practices

• Prior experience with RF devices, power electronics, or high-voltage devices is an advantage

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NTU