R&D Spectrometrist/Spectroscopist

We are looking for an owner of gas emission monitoring for sustainability at imec, who will be responsible for the planning, coordination and execution of the monitoring activities.

Supporting R&D activities for imec’s Sustainability program 

One of the focus areas in imec’s Sustainability program is the reduction of the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) used by the semiconductor industry in dry etch and dry deposition processes. Recent reports point to a discrepancy between the measured concentrations of such gases in the atmosphere and the emissions reported by the (semiconductor) industry. At imec, we plan to contribute to a global reduction of GHG emissions by accurately measuring the emissions from imec’s etch and deposition tools, using a set-up combining FTIR and mass spectrometry, to help build more reliable models for GHG emissions related to semiconductor processing. For this position, we are looking for an owner of gas emission monitoring for sustainability at imec, who will be responsible for the planning, coordination and execution of the monitoring activities.   

What you will do

You will be a member of a team responsible for developing new processes and for looking into the sustainability aspects of process step development. The team currently consists of ~12 people with whom you interact daily. However, you will also work in a dynamic multidisciplinary environment in close cooperation with other researchers, hardware engineers, process experts, material and equipment vendors, industrial assignees and colleagues working for imec’s Sustainability program. As a specialist in your field, you will be responsible for all aspects of the process gas emission measurements: from setting up measurement protocols to interpreting spectra and reporting the results internally and externally. 

More specifically, your tasks include:  

• Test and validate a new FTIR + mass spectrometer set-up for the purpose of gas emission monitoring. 
• Design, set up and conduct experiments with this dedicated set-up on process tools. 
• Analyze and interpret the FTIR and MS data with scientific rigour. Suggest and implement improvements to the methods and set-up when needed. 
• Work closely with hardware and process engineering teams (planning and conducting tests on process tools). 
• Actively contribute to imec’s sustainability activities regarding process development. You drive and own the gas emission monitoring activities. 
• Report your findings to internal and external partners in imec’s Sustainability program, and via conference / journal publications.  
• Monitor industry trends and innovations and apply scientific knowledge to your gas emission monitoring activities. 

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth. 

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits. 

Who you are

• You have at least a Master of Science or Industrial Engineering degree.  
• You have hands-on experience in the field of FTIR and mass spectrometry. You have experience with the recording, analysis and interpretation of FTIR and mass spectrometer output data. 
• You have a strong capability to work without close supervision with a focus on quality. 
• You will actively participate in cross-functional teams, utilizing your skills to enhance the team’s capability. 
• You have good in-person and written communication skills since you will work with a multicultural mix of imec engineers, researchers, partners and customers.  
• You are a team-player with good networking skills.   
• Since your job consists of a variety of activities, that depend on interactions with imec’s research programs and customers, a flexible attitude towards your tasks is required. 
• Given the international character of imec, good knowledge of (spoken and written) English is a must.