Introduction

The Atomic Engineering Group at Yale University is looking for 2 postdoc fellows to lead the following two research directions starting from July 2024:

1. Atomic imaging and spectroscopies of the defects in 2D materials using aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopes (S/TEMs).

2. CVD/CVT/high-temperature synthesis of semiconductors/insulators.

Required qualifications:

1. For position #1, the candidate should have extensive experience in aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopes (STEM) and atomic spectroscopies. The candidate is expected to hold a Ph.D. degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, or mechanical engineering. An understanding of the simulation of atomic spectroscopies (like EELS) will be a huge plus.

2. For position #2, the candidate should have extensive experience in synthesis of broadly-defined 2D materials, including hexagonal boron nitride and transition metal dichalcogenides, with an understanding of the kinetics and thermodynamics in the growth mechanism. The candidate should also know how to characterize these materials using AFM, Raman, PL, CL etc. The candidate is expected to hold a degree in chemistry or materials science. Experience in CVD line construction, chemical vapor transport (CVT), and high-temperature flux method will be a huge plus.

Benefits:

1. All the benefits for Yale postdocs can be found on this website: https://postdocs.yale.edu/postdocs;

2. High-end tools access: You have access to many state-of-the-art microscopes including the new AC-TEM Core next-door, a lot of tools belonging to our own group (please see the "Tools" section), and the Materials Characterization Core next-door.

3. High throughput discoveries: materials synthesis, characterization, and modeling all done in one place.

4. Healthy lifestyle: Our gym is located next-door, free-of-charge to Yale West Campus members. Our group also emphasizes the importance of work-life balance.

5. Chance for mentorship: The postdocs will work with graduate and undergraduate students in the lab. 

About the PI

Dr. Cong Su is an assistant professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Yale University. His research group, Atomic Engineering Group (AEG), is conducting research in the following areas: (1) Atomic structure characterization of semiconductors and insulators using aberration-corrected STEM; (2) 2D materials synthesis using chemical vapor deposition; (3) Optical characterization of color centers and light emitting materials; (4) Investigation of the metal and semiconductor interface; (5) First-principles calculation of electronic structures and spectroscopies. Cong obtained his Ph.D. degree from MIT in 2019 (with Del Favero award), and his bachelor’s in Physics from Yuanpei College, Peking University in 2013. He was appointed as the Heising-Simons Junior Postdoc Fellow at University of California, Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory from 2019-2021. More details about him can be found on the website: https://www.congsu.net.

About Atomic Engineering Group

1. Access to aberration-corrected STEMs: The group has extensive access to a brand-new state-of-the-art aberration-corrected STEM, at the newly established Yale AC-TEM Core located 2-minute-walking-distance away from the lab. We also expect to have access to a new monochromated Nion STEM with an ultra-high energy resolution located at Brookhaven National Lab, 2 hours driving away from Yale. We also have strong ties with Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL), which all have state-of-the-art STEM facilities, including TEAM 0.5 and TEAM 1 in NCEM of LBNL, Nion monochromated STEM and JEOL NEOARM in ORNL etc.

2. Synthesis lab: The group will be equipped with 4 CVD lines for hexagonal boron nitride, transition metal dichalcogenides, and vacuum annealing. We will also have a customized thermal evaporator with cryo-stage for metal deposition (for Bi, Sb, Au, Al etc.). We also expect to have a dry transfer stage placed inside a glovebox for making air-sensitive 2D heterostructure.

3. Characterization lab: The group will have a low-voltage TEM for facile TEM sample screening, and a photoluminescence set-up with time-correlated single photon counting.

4. Access to shared facilities in Yale: the group will have access to the tools located close-by including the Materials Characterization Core (FIB, SEM, XPS, XRD, PPMS etc.) next-door and the Imaging Core (AFM) in the Yale West Campus.

Contact

If you are qualified and interested in these positions, please send the following documents to cong.su[at]yale.edu.

1. A 1-page statement about why you are the right candidate for the position;

2. Your CV with publications and past experiences;

3. Copies of 3 representative publications;

4. The contact method of at least 2 recommenders (no need for the letters in the initial contact). I will directly contact them for the letters if needed.

We are thrilled to meet you at the beautiful Yale campus!

The Atomic Engineering Group will have several student open positions starting from Fall 2024 in the following areas:

1. Atomic imaging and spectroscopies of the defects in 2D materials using aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopes (S/TEMs).

2. CVD/CVT synthesis of semiconductors/insulators.

3. Investigating the interface of metal (especially Sb, Bi) and monolayer semiconductors.

4. Ab-initio calculations of the electronic structures of crystals and atomic defects, and atomic spectroscopies including electron energy loss spectroscopy.

For prospective students: If you are interested, please apply for the Ph.D. program of Yale through this link. The deadline is Dec. 15. Just want to remind you that all Yale Ph.D. students are provided with full tuition support and a generous stipend to cover your living expenses. Please find more details here.

For admitted students: Please directly contact me through email. Co-advising with other PIs is welcome.

The Atomic Engineering Group always welcomes undergraduate students to join our group. Please directly contact me at cong.su[at]yale.edu.

There are many undergraduate research fundings at Yale. Please consider applying for them to have better support. The link can be found here.