Postdoctoral Scholar in Materials and Detector Physics

Professor Shiva Abbaszadeh in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for two Postdoctoral Scholars in Materials and Detector Physics.

The Radiological Instrumentation Laboratory (RIL) is run by Assistant Professor Shiva Abbaszadeh of the ECE Department at UC Santa Cruz. RIL works on detector instrumentation from start to finish, beginning with materials exploration, detector fabrication and characterization, instrument design and construction, data acquisition, and signal processing. We collaborate with other groups at UCSC and other universities, National Labs, and industry partners, all working to advance technology in radiation detection. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team focused on advancing the field of radiation detection and detector development through innovative materials design, investigation, and application to imaging systems.

In this role, and under the supervision and mentorship of Professor Abbaszadeh, you will investigate novel alloyed amorphous chalcogenides, diving into the underlying physics of these materials and how they may be incorporated into sensors for medical imaging, high energy physics, and bioimaging.

This position's duties will include the following:

• Synthesis of amorphous chalcogenide materials, including amorphous selenium and its alloys, by thermal evaporation.
• Fabrication of multi-layer radiation detectors (single pixel, flat panel, CMOS) using techniques such as electron beam evaporation, sputtering, spin-coating, and thermal evaporation.
• Perform materials and device characterization, including time of flight, IV and CV measurement, X-ray response, photo-induced effects, cryogenic behavior, XRD, Raman spectroscopies.
• Modeling of material and detector physics as it relates to observed phenomena, using COMSOL, MATLAB, or other software.
• Participate in experimental data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
  -Develop novel techniques, materials, and toolkits to enhance research efforts in the lab and in the field of detector development.
• Assist in the maintenance and troubleshooting of fabrication and characterization equipment.
• Prepare and present research through talks and posters at conferences, workshops, and at regular group meetings.
  -Contribute to group discussions, problem-solving, and organization.
• Take an active role in ensuring laboratory and member safety, ensuring compliance in relation to fabrication and characterization equipment used in work.
• Collaborate with other research teams and scientists, including other universities and industry partners
• Assist with mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals, contribute to collaborative publications, and contribute to writing grants and proposals.
• Contribute positively to the active research culture.

We encourage the investigation of new materials and techniques outside of the lab's current specialties, and welcome you to bring your own expertise to the group.

Applicants with any of the following areas of expertise or experience are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Strong background in radiation detection, instrumentation, and imaging techniques;
• Experience performing independent hands-on work in both materials synthesis and characterization, especially in the field of optoelectronics;
• Experience in programming languages such as C++, Python, LabVIEW, IGOR, or MATLAB for data analysis and algorithm development;
  -Experience with simultaneously managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines; and/or
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

Radiological Instrumentation Laboratory: https://ril.soe.ucsc.edu/

UCSC Baskin Engineering: https://engineering.ucsc.edu/

• Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science or a field relevant to the advertised position. Ph.D. must be in hand at the time of the appointment (rather than at the time of application). It is expected that the degree requirement will be completed by September 30, 2025.
  
• Record of a minimum of three (3) publications as first author.

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
  

The University of California 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, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at roberts@ucsc.edu (831) 459-4602.

Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), UCSC publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530.

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.

UCSC is committed to addressing the spousal and partner employment needs of our candidates and employees. As part of this commitment, our institution is a member of the Northern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (NorCal HERC). Visit the NorCal HERC website to search for open positions within a commutable distance of our institution.

The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance.

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.

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