Assistant Research Scientist - Materials Science & Engineering
University of California, Berkeley
Position overview
Position title: Assistant Reaserch Scientist$124,200 -$156,000.
Application Window
Open date: September 17, 2025
Next review date: Wednesday, Oct 1, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Oct 17, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
Professor Ramesh runs a large complex oxide growth cluster consisting of multiple (3) excimer lasers and 11 chambers in his lab. All growth systems are optimized for growth of top-notch oxide thin films. The center-pieces of the growth center are four reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) equipped chambers in which one can monitor the intensity oscillations as a function of time, enabling one to maintain a nearly perfect surface throughout the entire structure. These systems allow for growth of oxides with real-time, in situ monitoring at up to 300 mTorr pressures of O 2 . The remaining systems are
optimized for high-throughput of a wide range of materials – there are very few materials that are off-limits for study in these systems. This gives the research program great flexibility in the search for new materials and functionalities. The lab houses a 200mm PVD system for scale up activities as well as a UHV PVD system for nonoxides. In addition to this, he has developed extensive structure, surface, and electronic testing facilities within his own facilities. This is augmented by access to user facilities both within the department, the college of engineering and campus.
The job description is as follows:
- Be the Berkeley technical lead for the DARPA-NGMM project
- Oversee the synthesis of ferroelectric materials on STO/Si wafers
- Carry out structural and electrical metrology to validate the process
- Coordinate with researchers at UT Austin and Rice University to transfer the process to TIE Fab
- Write patent disclosures and publications
- Disseminate research results through lead-authored publications in refereed conference proceedings and/or journals and participation in conferences and standard workgroups.
- Oversee (partial) postdoc working on the project
Qualifications
- Ph.D. (or equivalent international degree)
- Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering or related-discipline with appropriate postdoctoral research experience
- At least 5-7 years of experience in oxide thin film synthesis using physical vapor deposition
- Work in industrial lab will be valuable
- Expertise in structural and electrical metrology of ferroelectrics
- A good understanding of process integration of oxide ferroelectrics on Si for memory applications
- Excellent people skills and ability to work with a broad spectrum of professionals
- Ability to interact positively with federal funding agencies along with excellent communication skills
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter (Optional)
Research Statement - Please discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive research practices that promote the excellence of your research, and areas for future research.
- 3 required (contact information only)
Help contact: rramesh@berkeley.edu
About UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.
The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
For more information, please refer to the University of California’s Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy.
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment