Research Scientist (Advanced Diamond Synthesis)

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.

We are seeking a Research Scientist to lead diamond synthesis and materials characterization activities for developing diamond semiconductor technology for next-generation defense electronics.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the installation, commissioning, and operation of specialized equipment including Microwave Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition (MPCVD) reactor and hydrogenation system for diamond synthesis
• Conduct comprehensive literature review on synthesis practices for electronic-grade diamond single crystals, their handling, and current research challenges
• Develop and optimize iterative synthesis protocols for growing high-quality diamond single crystals
• Perform materials characterization using Raman spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to establish quality feedback loops
• Execute post-synthesis hydrogen termination processes via plasma hydrogenation
• Conduct surface and electrical characterization of hydrogenated diamond including sheet resistance measurements and crystal face specificity analysis
• Verify hydrogenation effectiveness and optimize process parameters for crystal quality improvement
• Maintain detailed experimental records, technical documentation, and equipment operation logs
• Prepare progress reports and technical presentations for project review meetings
• Collaborate with device fabrication team to ensure material specifications meet device requirements

Job Requirements

• PhD degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field with specialization in diamond synthesis, semiconductor materials, or advanced crystal growth techniques
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in chemical vapor deposition (CVD), preferably with diamond or wide-bandgap semiconductors
• Hands-on expertise with MPCVD or similar plasma-assisted CVD systems, including understanding of plasma chemistry, gas handling, and vacuum systems
• Strong background in materials characterization techniques including Raman spectroscopy, AFM, XRD, and SEM with ability to interpret complex spectroscopic and microscopic data
• Experience with surface chemistry, hydrogen plasma treatments, or surface functionalization of semiconductors is highly desirable
• Knowledge of semiconductor device physics and electronic-grade material requirements
• Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and statistical methods for process optimization
• Good writing skills for writing proposals, reports and publications in good academic journals
• Strong organizational and project management skills with ability to meet deliverable deadlines
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team environment
• Experience with safety protocols for high-temperature systems, reactive gases, and vacuum equipment
• Prior experience with diamond synthesis or wide-bandgap semiconductors (SiC, GaN) is a strong advantage

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

Hiring Institution: NTU