Scientist, Atomic Force Microscopy

Job Description

EAG Laboratories is seeking a Scientist to join our Materials Characterization team with primary responsibility for operating and interpreting data from Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Nanoindentation, and Optical Profilometry (OP) instrumentation.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience characterizing mechanical, surface, and nanoscale material properties and be comfortable with all phases of the analytical process, including experimental design, sample preparation, data acquisition, data interpretation, technical reporting, and customer interactions.

This position requires a strong technical foundation in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

What You'll Do

A typical day may include:

• Designing analytical approaches to address customer questions and technical challenges.
• Preparing samples and acquiring data using AFM, Nanoindentation, and Optical Profilometry systems.
• Performing advanced surface characterization, topographical analysis, roughness measurements, mechanical property characterization, electrical characterization and nanoscale mapping.
• Working with internal sample preparation teams when cross-sectioning or specialized sample preparation is required.
• Processing, analyzing, and interpreting data to generate meaningful technical conclusions.
• Writing comprehensive scientific reports that clearly communicate methodology, results, and recommendations.
• Presenting findings to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers on complex investigations

Client-Facing Responsibilities

In addition to laboratory work, you will regularly:

• Meet with customers to discuss project goals, results, and future analyses.
• Partner with EAG business development and sales teams to recommend analytical solutions.
• Participate in technical discussions that help customers solve materials, process, and reliability challenges.
• Support proposal development and scope definition for new projects.

Long-Term Growth Opportunities

Scientists are encouraged to expand their expertise through:

• Development of new analytical methodologies.
• Research and characterization of emerging materials and technologies.
• Publication of technical papers and participation in industry conferences.
• Creation of technical marketing content and application notes.
• Collaboration with instrument manufacturers and service providers.
• Cross-training in complementary surface and materials characterization techniques.

What Success Looks Like

Successful candidates thrive in a fast-paced consulting laboratory environment where multiple projects move simultaneously. They are curious scientists, strong communicators, and collaborative teammates who can independently manage priorities while delivering high-quality scientific results.

Qualifications

Important ITAR Requirement

Use of information in this role is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). To be considered for this position, applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR. A U.S. Person includes:

• U.S. Citizen
• U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)
• Political Asylee
• Refugee

Education & Experience

• PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or related scientific discipline.
• 1+ years of industrial, academic, or research experience using AFM, Nanoindentation, or related materials characterization techniques.
• Experience designing analytical protocols and conducting independent scientific investigations.
• Experience interpreting experimental data and applying findings to solve practical engineering or materials challenges.
• Experience writing technical reports and communicating scientific results.

Preferred Technical Skills

Strong preference for experience with:

• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), including modes such as SCM, SSRM, sMIM, KPFM, MFM and mechanical testing modes
• Nanoindentation / Nanomechanical testing
• Optical Profilometry / White Light Interferometry
• Surface roughness and topography measurements
• Thin film characterization
• Mechanical and electrical property characterization
• Failure analysis and root cause investigations
• Semiconductor, advanced materials, or microelectronics characterization

Highly Desired AFM Experience

Experience with one or more advanced AFM modes is highly desirable:

• PF-QNM (PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping)
• SCM (Scanning Capacitance Microscopy)
• SSRM (Scanning Spreading Resistance Microscopy)
• sMIM (Scanning Microwave Impedance Microscopy)
• Conductive AFM
• Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM)

Additional Preferred Experience

Experience with any of the following techniques is a plus:

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
• Focused Ion Beam (FIB) /Dual Beam (DB)
• TEM/STEM
• Raman Spectroscopy
• FTIR
• XPS
• NanoIR
• Materials and surface analysis techniques

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Physical Requirements:

• The person in this position needs to move about inside the office or laboratory to access file cabinets, machinery, equipment etc.
• Ability to continuously operate a personal computer or lab equipment for extended periods of time (4 or more hours).
• Physical dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate a keyboard and other lab equipment, use a telephone, access file cabinets and other items stored at various levels, including overhead.   
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 90% of the time. 
• Ability to speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably with sufficient volume to ensure an accurate exchange of information in normal conversational distance, over the telephone online, and in a group setting.
• Learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, make timely decisions in the context of a workflow, ability to communicate with visitors, ability to complete tasks in situations that have a speed or productivity quota.

The essential physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

We will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability or special need, we would like to know how we can better accommodate you.                 

Additional Information

Compensation is aligned with market standards for the region and tailored to individual qualifications and experience.

What It’s Like to Work Here:

• Teamwork: Be inspired by your leaders, be encouraged by your teammates and be supported in all parts of your journey while you work with us.
• Learning & Development: Take on career development programs and goal setting to create big possibilities for your career and life. Develop within the company; be mentored and grown as a leader.
• Diversity & Authenticity: We work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

Benefits & Perks to Foster Work/Life Balance:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• 401k Company Matching
• Paid Time Off
• Wellness Program
• Education Assistance
• Volunteer Time Off
• …and more!

If you enjoy being immersed in technology, tackling problems head-on, finding solutions through teamwork, and taking pride in accomplishments, join us today!

Eurofins EAG Laboratories is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all of our employment practices. Eurofins EAG Laboratories recruits, hires, trains, promotes and administers all employment-related matters based on an individual's qualifications, abilities, and efforts.  Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, military and/or protected veteran status, and/or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.    

Check out our other opportunities: www.eag.com/about/careers/ 

Eurofins USA Material Sciences is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.