Ceramic Target Production – PLD and Sputtering

We are looking for a junior chemist, materials science student, recent graduate, or trainee materials scientist to help produce dense ceramic discs used as targets for PLD and sputtering applications.

This is a hands-on laboratory and production role involving solid state chemistry, powder processing, pellet pressing, sintering, measurement, quality checking and packing finished targets for customers.

The role would suit someone studying or recently graduated in chemistry, materials science, ceramics, chemical engineering or a related subject, especially someone with an interest in solid state chemistry, functional materials, ceramics, thin films or research materials.

Part-time work of around 20–30 hours per week is available, making this a good opportunity for a summer internship, work experience placement, or practical role between college years.

About the work

We manufacture ceramic targets used by universities, research labs and industrial customers for physical vapour deposition processes such as PLD and sputtering.

The role will involve producing a range of ceramic compounds using solid state chemistry methods. You will weigh out powders, mix them thoroughly, press them into pellets using pellet dies, sinter them at high temperature, then measure and inspect the finished discs before packing them for customers.

Training will be provided, but a good understanding of chemistry, strong practical lab skills and a careful approach to lab safety are essential.

Main responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

• Weighing out precursor powders accurately
• Mixing and grinding powders thoroughly
• Following solid state chemistry procedures
• Pressing powders into pellets using pellet dies and presses
• Loading and unloading furnaces for sintering
• Measuring pellet diameter, thickness and weight
• Calculating density from dimensions and mass
• Keeping clear lab notes and production records
• Inspecting pellets for cracks, warping, poor density or other quality issues
• Adapting procedures where needed to improve pellet quality
• Cleaning and maintaining lab equipment and work areas
• Labelling, packing and preparing finished targets for customers
• Following lab safety procedures at all times

Useful experience or knowledge

Useful experience includes:

• Solid state chemistry
• Ceramic processing
• Powder handling
• Furnace work / sintering
• Pellet pressing
• Materials characterisation
• Stoichiometric calculations
• Lab note keeping
• Chemical safety and good laboratory practice

Previous experience making ceramic pellets or sintered materials would be ideal, but we are open to training the right person.

What we are looking for

The right person will be:

• Careful, accurate and detail-oriented
• Comfortable working with powders and lab equipment
• Good at following procedures
• Able to keep clear notes and records
• Interested in chemistry, ceramics or materials science
• Safety-conscious
• Practical and hands-on
• Willing to learn and improve processes
• Able to work independently once trained
• Proud of producing high-quality work

Requirements

Applicants should have, or be working toward, a qualification in one of the following areas:

• Chemistry
• Materials science
• Ceramics
• Chemical engineering
• Applied physics
• A related science or engineering subject

A good grasp of chemistry and laboratory safety is required.

Hours

Part-time, approximately 20–30 hours per week. This may suit a summer intern, recent graduate, or student looking for practical laboratory and materials processing experience.

How to apply

Please send your resume and include a short note telling us:

• What attracts you to this role
• Your chemistry or materials science background
• Any experience you have with solid state chemistry, ceramics, powders, pressing or sintering
• What you would bring to the team

Pay: $15.00 - $24.00 per hour

Work Location: In person