Surface Scientist

Job Description

The Materials Characterization and Analysis team at IBM-Almaden Research Center in San Jose, CA has an immediate full-time opening for an applied surface scientist. Experience with RBS (Rutherford backscattering) and/or XPS (x-ray photoemission spectroscopy) is required.

This position will be fully responsible for the RBS and XPS facilities, including interacting with service engineers to maintain the tools, running data acquisitions, and performing analysis on samples from a wide variety of research projects.

This role supports efforts throughout the Science & Technology division, working closely with research teams by presenting relevant data, collaborating on experiments & direction, and providing expert guidance on surface chemistry and thin-film analysis. Experience with tool-specific data reduction software (MultiPak, CASA XPS, etc.) and general lab programming (LabVIEW, Python) is desired.

As part of a multi-disciplinary characterization team, additional experience in the following techniques is desirable: AFM (atomic force microscopy), SIMS (secondary ion mass spectroscopy), Auger, FIB/SEM/EDX (focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray analysis).

This position requires the scientist to work with a high degree of independence and self-motivation. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and using standard MS Office Suite, are required. Successful candidates will perform meticulous data collection, communicate the findings effectively to experts and non-experts, and work well with other characterization team members to answer challenging analysis problems.

U.S. citizenship is required for this position.

Required Technical and Professional Expertise

A minimum of 3 years’ experience with RBS or XPS

Preferred Tech and Prof Experience

A minimum of 5 years’ experience with both RBS and XPS

EO Statement

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.