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