Staff Researcher - Selective area deposition by atomic layer

Staff Researcher - Selective area deposition by atomic layer deposition for microelectronics

Job Reference: Ref.04.24.23

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Nanofabrication, Optoelectronics and Energy Applications

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 36 months

Open Date for Applications: May 13th, 2024

Closing Date for Applications: June 12th, 2024, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #AtomicLayerDeposition(ALD) #SelectiveAreaDeposition(SAD) #surfacecharacterisation #nanofabrication

Overview

The Nanofabrication, Optoelectronics, and Energy Applications Research Group is dedicated to developing nanofabrication and applications for optoelectronics and energy. Focused on developing nanofabrication solutions for a diverse set of applications, via several mechanisms such as competitive funding projects and industrial services. The group aims to keep advancing the state-of-the-art in several areas.

We are looking for a qualified Researcher to join our team in developing area selective deposition (SAD) based on atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes. We will develop work in collaboration with a multinational semiconductor company with the aim of developing clean room nanofabrication processes compatible with the mid-term industry needs in the area of microelectronics.

The three-year project consists of the procurement and installation of a ALD tool tailored for SAD and the development of nanometre scale processes that are compatible with advanced micro-electronics high end fabrication. This project will place the researcher and INL in a unique position worldwide allowing for the developed processes to be implemented by the industrial partner in several applications.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

Experimental Design and Execution:

Develop experimental strategies and protocols for selective area deposition using ALD, considering parameters such as substrate material, surface preparation, precursor choice, and deposition conditions;

Execute experiments meticulously, ensuring reproducibility and accuracy in results.

Process Optimisation:

Optimise ALD processes for selective area deposition, aiming for precise control over film thickness, uniformity, and conformity on targeted areas;

Explore parameter space systematically, employing techniques such as Design of Experiments (DOE) to identify optimal process conditions.

Characterisation and Analysis:

Perform comprehensive characterisation of deposited films using techniques such as ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM);

Analyse data to assess film quality, uniformity, adhesion, and other relevant properties.

Collaboration and Communication:

Collaborate closely with internal and external partners to understand project goals, requirements, and timelines;

Communicate research findings effectively through reports, presentations, and meetings, ensuring alignment between project objectives and experimental outcomes.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or related areas.

Experience

4 years Postdoctoral or industry experience in the field of atomic layer deposition and/or area selective deposition;

Track record of conducting and publishing research in peer-reviewed journals related to ALD and area-selective deposition.

Technical Skills

Hands-on experience with atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques;

Proficiency in area-selective deposition methodologies and techniques;

Knowledge of surface chemistry and material characterisation techniques relevant to ALD;

Experience with equipment and tools used in ALD processes;

Familiarity with emerging trends and advancements in ALD and area-selective deposition;

Understanding of industry standards, regulations, and practices related to ALD and area-selective deposition.

Other Skills

Ability to design and execute experiments, analyse data, and interpret results;

Experience in managing research projects, including planning, budgeting, and reporting;

Ability to mentor and supervise junior researchers, students, or technicians.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience working in the semiconductor, microelectronics, or related industries;

Experience in collaborating with academic and industrial partners on research projects;

Active participation in conferences, workshops, and seminars related to ALD and area-selective deposition.

Personal Skills

Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team;

Attention to detail and a commitment to quality and excellence;

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills;

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;

“Hands-on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting working deadlines;

Customer orientation.

Our Benefits

Competitive salary;

Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges;

Private health insurance;

Family allowances (according to family situation);

Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability);

Support for education fees of dependent children;

Relocation support;

30 working days of annual leave.

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include the following mandatory documents:

a) Cover letter

b) Curriculum Vitae

c) Academic and/or Professional diplomas

Online application instructions:

The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button below;

The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;

The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above in pdf format by including them in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button.

Important note:

Incomplete applications including the failure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.

How the Selection Process works

A. Applications eligibility check

This stage will be carried out on the basis of the mandatory requirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will move forward to the next stage.

B. CV Assessment

The Selection Committee will evaluate the eligible applications based on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position. The best ranked candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage(s).

C. Interview(s)

The interview(s) may be done in different formats: video recording, online or onsite.

The question based interview will evaluate the match between the candidate’s profile and the requirements for the position, including the technical and personal skills. To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.

D. Nomination

The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions.

Additional Information

Application feedback

We highly value your interest in becoming part of the INL experience and it is important for us to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of and duties based on any possible discriminatory issues.

The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice in order to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process.

About INL

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL ( is the first and only Intergovernmental Organisation in the world entirely focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

It was founded under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.