SENIOR ENGINEER
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 physicist, materials scientist, or electrical engineer with a strong interest in the application of novel semiconductor material properties to solving major problems facing industries ranging from medical imaging to nuclear power. 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 hard-radiation detection (gamma or X-ray), semiconductor characterization, electronic device assembly/characterization, 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 even demand to “grow with the organization” as the startup becomes more established.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Characterize semiconductor crystals in terms of resistivity, photoluminescence, etc.
- Design, build, and test hard radiation detectors made from semiconductor materials, from bare crystals all the way through working detection systems
- Develop and test methods of attaching charge-collecting pads to semiconductor crystals
- Test and optimize methods of attaching detector arrays to ROICs/ASICs
- Create software scripts, as needed, to improve readout signal
- 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 physics, electrical engineering, or materials science (MS is required, PhD strongly preferred; exceptions may be made for candidates with remarkable on-the-job experience)
- Preferred workplace or academic experience including the below:
- Hard-radiation detection (gamma or X-ray)
- Semiconductor characterization
- Electronic device assembly/characterization
- Optical spectroscopy
- 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 as the team grows
- Commitment to ethical behavior, honesty, and forthrightness
- Excellent communication and analytical skills
- Ability to self-start and self-organize
CONTACT: Josh Palmer (josh@kairosventures.com)
posted June 25, 2021