Reports To: Chief Scientist
Location: Durham, NC (hybrid work)
Employment Status: Full-time

Position Summary

The Associate Scientist plays a key role in supporting and advancing the research and development efforts and initiatives for the SMART USA Institute (“Institute”). This position provides analyses on assigned topics such as technology trends, their limitations, evaluating funding in research program areas, etc. The Associate Scientist participates and contributes to forums  that define and influence new research opportunities in the industry. They will engage with key stakeholders including government agencies, associations, and industry leaders. Collaboration with the Institute staff is critical in this role to support program management, deliver inputs and assessments as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Development of science vision that aligns with strategic needs of the Institute.
  • Reviews various scenarios of semiconductor technologies and their applications.
  • Participates in road mapping activities such as MAPT Roadmap and SMART USA Roadmap.
  • Conducts fundamental studies on performance projections, physical limits of future information, and communication technologies
  • Analyzes data using advanced tools and presents findings to internal teams, collaborators, and leadership.
  • Generates technical reports and publications on advanced technology topics relevant to member companies’ strategic needs.
  • Organizes and conducts workshops and forums to promote and bring awareness to the Institute and cutting-edge technology.
  • Prepares presentations to deliver at conferences.
  • Collaborates with cross-functional teams on projects, research initiatives, and member support.\
  • Stays abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies, contributing to innovation pipelines and strategic planning.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Language Skills:

  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents
  • Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style
  • Ability to make effective, persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics

Math Skills:

  • Skilled at comprehending and applying principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory
  • Knowledge of concepts such as limits, quadratic and differential equations, and proofs of theorems

Reasoning Ability:

  • Able to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems
  • Able to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs) in its most difficult phases
  • Skilled at dealing with a variety of abstract and concrete variables

Other Skills:

    • Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills
    • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and willingness to learn
    • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team

Experience & Education Required

  • Ph.D. or equivalent in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science or Chemistry
  • US. Citizenship require due to federally funded program
  • Strong background in semiconductor devices, materials characterization, process development, or modeling/simulation
  • Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals or present at technical conferences
  • Familiarity with industry challenges such as scaling, power-performance tradeoffs, heterogeneous integration, or advanced packaging
  • Hands-on experience with cleanroom tools, fabrication processes, or advanced metrology techniques a plus

Preferred Experience & Education

  • Postdoctoral experience
  • Experience working in an industrial or academic R&D lab focused on semiconductor technologies
  • Familiarity with industry standards and roadmaps (e.g., 2030 Decadal Plan for Semiconductors, MAPT Roadmap, ITRS, CHIPS Act initiatives)
  • Internship or co-op experience in a semiconductor company or research lab

Physical Demands / Work Environment

  • Sedentary/stationary position. Must be able to remain in stationary position for prolonged periods (up to 90% of time) with occasional movement around office environment
  • Frequent computer use, including extended screen viewing (at least 90% of time), repetitive keyboard use, and some phone activity
  • Hybrid work model requires work onsite and optional remote work
  • Communication skills: listening, verbal, written, and presentations
  • May require occasional travel to meetings or conference