Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

Check how this applies to your own job

About the job

The mission of the Advanced Materials and Microsystems Group in the Advanced Technology Division is to research and develop a broad array of electronic, electro-optic, and RF materials and devices to develop leap-ahead capability in support of national security. Our materials research enterprise spans the materials development cycle from computation and theory to growth, processing, and characterization, and complements RF, imager, and quantum computing technology development in the division.

Job Description

The Advanced Materials and Microsystems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory seeks a technical staff to spearhead and grow the enterprise focused on experimental materials development for critical national security applications. Initial focus will be on new materials for microelectronics, including wide-bandgap semiconductors, such as the growth and doping of cubic boron nitride on diamond. Additional responsibilities will include the development of experimental methods as part of the AI-enabled rapid materials discovery team. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strategic business acumen and strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills. Occasional travel is required to meet with sponsors and participate in professional conferences.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and conduct hands-on experimental research in advanced materials synthesis, processing, and characterization

Help develop and execute a strategic roadmap for the materials enterprise, aligning experimental research with national security priorities

Serve as a subject matter expert for the new material synthesis and processing thrust of the AI-enabled rapid material discovery program

Define and propose new research and development opportunities with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry

Manage project timelines, budgets, and reporting to meet organizational and sponsor objectives

Lead, mentor, and participate in multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and collaboration

Write and publish technical reports, manuscripts, and proposals detailing research methods, findings, and strategic implications.

Requirements

PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or related field. Equivalent experience will be considered.

Demonstrated ability to create, fabricate, and analyze materials for specific applications and use cases

Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and build teams

Active or eligible to obtain a Secret security clearance

Excellent oral and written communications skills, including ability to communicate experimental results to experts and non-experts, government sponsors, and internal stakeholders

Strong interpersonal and leadership skills

Desired Skills

Demonstrated ability to grow and process thin-film electronic materials

Thorough understanding of wide band gap semiconductor materials and their associated processing methods

Growth and processing expertise in cubic boron nitride (c-BN), diamond, or established and emerging wide-bandgap semiconductors

Expertise in material growth reactor and processing tool design and fabrication

Expertise in a broad array of inorganic material systems

Familiarity with computational materials science with linkage to experimental methods

Familiarity with semiconductor device physics

Experience in successfully guiding and leading interdisciplinary technical programs

Experience defining and executing technology roadmaps

Six or more years of post-graduate experience as an experimental materials researcher

Expertise outside the named disciplines will be considered for exceptional candidates

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200-$170,000

Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200-$220,000

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including—but not limited to—the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans

MIT-funded pension

Matching 401K

Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)

Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs

Mentorship programs

A range of work-life balance options

... and much more!

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks .

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 42457