Postdoc Researcher Dry Etch for 2D and 1D Materials

Imec

Leuven, Belgium

Background

Low dimensionality materials, like transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs, 2D) or single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs, 1D) are driving attention in view of their superior transport properties, which can find applications, amongst others, for advanced CMOS and DNA sensing. The VLSI manufacturing of devices based on TMDCs or SWCNTs requires to engineer new processing methods, specific to these materials. In particular, new low damage metal etch approaches are explored for transfer (moving the target material from the growth substrate to the processing substrate) and contact patterning (establish a low resistance electrical contact to the target material).

The Dry Etch group is seeking a motivated Researcher to develop next-generation dry etch solutions for low dimensionality materials. In this role, you will focus on enabling critical CMOS devices through the development of innovative contact etch processes, working closely with integration, metrology, and device teams to support the device fabrication flow.

The position is temporary with a fixed-term contract of 24 months.

What you will do

As a Researcher, you will develop advanced dry etch solutions using imec’s state-of-the-art 300 mm pilot line, Explore lab and world-class characterization infrastructure. You will play a key role in advancing etch technologies for low dimensionality materials.

Your responsibilities include:

• Designing, executing, and analyzing experiments to develop advanced plasma, vapor or combined plasma/vapor etch processes.
• Investigating novel process concepts, materials, and dry etch chemistries to address future device fabrication challenges.
• Collaborating closely with other processing teams, integration, metrology, and device teams to understand process requirements and optimize overall device performance.
• Presenting research results through internal reviews, partner meetings, conferences, and scientific publications.
• Monitoring industry and technology trends and translating insights into imec’s patterning roadmap.
• Supporting process transfer and standardization to imec’s 300 mm pilot line.

Who you are

• You hold a PhD degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Microelectronics, or a related field.
• Experience in plasma processing, dry etch, or semiconductor manufacturing is highly valued.
• Experience in processing or 2D or 1D materials is considered a strong asset.
• You enjoy solving complex technical challenges and are motivated by innovation and technology development.
• You can work independently while collaborating effectively in multidisciplinary and international teams.
• You have a strong sense of ownership, analytical thinking, and attention to detail.
• Experience with scientific data analysis, process characterization, and experimental design is an advantage.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English are essential.
• You are open to travel regularly to the Netherlands to execute some experimental work.