Senior Research Scientist
AMETEK · Oak Ridge
The Senior Research Scientist provides technical leadership for semiconductor radiation detector technology used in ORTEC gamma-ray spectroscopy and radiation measurement products, with primary emphasis on High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detectors. This role is responsible for detector science, semiconductor process development, performance optimization, and the long-term technology direction of detector products from research through manufacturable implementation.
Working closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, product management, customers, suppliers, universities, and national laboratories, the Senior Research Scientist helps advance detector performance, expand technical capability, and strengthen ORTEC’s long-term product differentiation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead experimental programs focused on detector materials evaluation, device optimization, fabrication process improvement, and advanced detector concepts.
- Develop and enhance semiconductor fabrication methods used in detector manufacturing.
- Partner with manufacturing teams to improve detector yield, repeatability, reliability, throughput, process control, and final performance testing.
- Collaborate with electronics, mechanical, cryogenic, software, systems, manufacturing, and quality teams to optimize complete detector systems.
- Evaluate emerging detector materials, detector architectures, external research opportunities, and strategic partnerships aligned with ORTEC’s product strategy.
- Provide technical leadership for detector science, semiconductor process development, and performance optimization initiatives.
- Represent ORTEC in technical reviews, high-value customer discussions, scientific conferences, internal leadership reviews, and technology roadmap planning activities.
Requirements
Education and Experience
- PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related scientific discipline required.
- Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in semiconductor detector development, semiconductor fabrication, detector materials research, radiation detection technology, or advanced semiconductor process development.
- Demonstrated experience with semiconductor fabrication and process techniques.
- Record of technical accomplishment through commercial product impact, patents, publications, conference presentations, funded research, or recognized scientific contributions preferred.
Technical Qualifications
- Deep understanding of semiconductor physics, HPGe and/or other semiconductor detector technologies, gamma-ray interactions, charge transport, trapping mechanisms, leakage mechanisms, charge collection, cryogenic operation, and detector performance characterization.
- Experience with detector performance metrics including energy resolution, efficiency, noise, and long-term stability.
- Strong experimental design, data analysis, root-cause investigation, technical documentation, and evidence-based decision-making skills.
- Ability to balance scientific rigor with manufacturability, schedule, cost, quality, reliability, and customer application requirements.
- Preferred experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Direct HPGe detector development
- Gamma-ray spectroscopy instrumentation
- Crystal growth or impurity control
- Detector modeling
- Regulated product development
- Collaboration with national laboratories, universities, or government agencies
Leadership and Communication
- Strong communication and technical leadership skills with the ability to influence across R&D, manufacturing, quality, product management, sales, customers, and external research organizations.
- Ability to mentor scientists, engineers, and technical staff in detector physics, semiconductor process development, experimental methods, and performance analysis.
Additional Requirements
- Demonstrated scientific judgment, technical curiosity, and a strong sense of ownership.
- Commitment to disciplined documentation, safety, quality, intellectual property protection, and continuous improvement.
- Ability to manage multiple research, process development, and product-support priorities simultaneously.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required for customer, supplier, research, and conference engagements.
About the Business Unit
Advanced Measurement Technology (AMT), part of AMETEK’s Materials Analysis Division, is a global leader in high-precision measurement and detection solutions. Headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, AMT designs and manufactures advanced instrumentation for nuclear spectrometry, radiological measurement, electrochemical analysis, and electronic signal recovery. Our technologies enable customers in research, defense, homeland security, and industrial markets to solve their most complex challenges with accuracy and reliability.
AMT combines renowned brands such as ORTEC, Amptek, and Sunpower, delivering differentiated solutions for applications ranging from radiation detection and semiconductor analysis to cryogenic cooling systems. As a cleared defense contractor, AMT also supports U.S. government programs with custom products and services. With a strong culture of innovation and operational excellence, AMT continues to expand globally, leveraging decades of expertise to drive advancements in safety, security, and scientific discovery.
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