Ph.D. Interface Scientist - Advanced Materials & Future Storage Technologies

About the role

Join our advanced R&D team focused on next-generation storage technologies. In this role, you will design and execute experiments to better understand material interfaces, ultra-thin films, and thermal transport mechanisms related to future HDD technologies. You will work in a highly collaborative laboratory environment alongside scientists and engineers across multiple disciplines. This position combines hands-on experimentation, instrumentation development, data analysis, and scientific problem solving. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Design and execute laboratory experiments related to advanced materials and interface science Develop and support instrumentation and experimental workflows Collect, analyze, and present scientific data Perform ultra-thin film and surface characterization Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and research teams Utilize Python and modern analytical tools to support experimentation and data analysis This role is part of WD's early career development program. WD's early career development program is ideal for individuals at the early stages of their professional career. Participants receive foundational training through structured onboarding, mentorship, and a curated development curriculum. The responsibilities of this role are typically aligned with candidates who have approximately 0-2+ years of relevant professional experience, though candidates of all experience levels are encouraged to apply. Salary Range: 122,700.00-147,700.00 Required: Currently enrolled or recently completed a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field Extensive hands-on laboratory research experience Experience designing and executing scientific experiments Strong Python programming and data analysis skills Experience with instrumentation development and/or instrumentation programming Experience with thin film characterization techniques such as: Ellipsometry TEM SEM AFM FTIR IR spectroscopy Related analytical techniques Strong communication, presentation, and collaboration skills Preferred: Experience with scientific automation workflows Experience working with large experimental datasets Exposure to AI-assisted research or analytical tools WD is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person's gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person's assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the " Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal " poster. Our pay transparency policy is available here . WD thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution. WD is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at jobs.accommodations@wdc.com to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying. Based on our experience, we anticipate that the application deadline will be 8/12/26 , although we reserve the right to close the application process sooner if we hire an applicant for this position before the application deadline. If we are not able to hire someone from this role before the application deadline, we will update this posting with a new anticipated application deadline. #LI-MT Compensation & Benefits Details An employee's pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certificat

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