SENIOR SCIENTIST
Actinia, based on research from Prof. Mercouri Kanatzidis’ laboratory, is focused on commercializing novel semiconductor materials to solve major problems facing industries ranging from medical imaging to nuclear energy to security screening. Actinia has developed novel semiconductor materials that can more than double the energy resolution of typical scintillator materials without the substantial cost increases typically associated with semiconductor detectors.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
You are a chemist, materials scientist, or chemical engineer with a strong interest in improving the properties of novel semiconductor materials so that they can be used to solve major problems facing industries ranging from medical imaging to homeland security to nuclear energy. You want to work with a dynamic team where creativity, passion, learning, and experimentation are core values in the development of innovative new products. You have an acute interest in the development of new products based on hard IP and you want a leadership role in the growth of a startup tackling the difficult early stages of technology transfer from a world-class research University.
You have a strong academic background that includes a master’s or doctoral degree, and ideally, you have several years of experience in large-scale bulk crystal growth, characterization of high-energy radiation detector materials, and optical spectroscopy. You will be working with a group of chemists, materials scientists, physicists, and engineers, and you do not shy away from multidisciplinary problems. You are comfortable reporting directly to the Founders and CEO of a new company, and you thrive in environments where independent excellence is expected. You expect, and perhaps even demand, to “grow with the organization” as the startup becomes more established.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, test, and optimize methods for growing large semiconductor crystals, for both well-known compounds such as lead halide perovskites and for novel radiation detection candidates
- Grow, cut, and polish semiconductor crystals for inclusion into radiation detectors, and develop tests to ensure quality and performance of such crystals prior to use
- Work alongside engineers to optimize fabrication of detectors from crystals
- Work with vendors and development partners to make sure that the company is able to achieve technical milestones related to detector fabrication and performance
QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong academic background in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science (MS is required, PhD strongly preferred; exceptions may be made for candidates with remarkable on-the-job experience)
- Specific workplace or academic experience including the below:
- synthesis, purification, and large-scale bulk crystal growth of semiconductors or scintillators using the Bridgman method or related techniques
- cutting, polishing, and characterization of semiconductor crystals suitable for use in radiation detection
- characterization of high-energy radiation detection materials through optical and/or electrical techniques
- design and fabrication of high-performance gamma-ray or X-ray semiconductor detectors based on perovskite or CdZnTe crystals and films (optional)
- Experience with and enthusiasm for multidisciplinary research and development
- Ability to present scientific results with sufficient context to explain their impact on product
- Desire to work independently towards quantitative technical goals on a tight timetable
- Willingness to mentor and manage junior researchers when the team grows
- Commitment to ethical behavior, honesty, and forthrightness
CONTACT: Josh Palmer (josh@kairosventures.com)
posted June 29, 2021