PhD on PFAS-free polymer materials for damping in lithographic equipment

Join a groundbreaking project at TU/e, partnering with ASML and M2i, to pioneer safer polymer materials for lithographic equipment. Drive innovation in semiconductor manufacturing and shape the future of technology!

Position PhD-student

Irène Curie Fellowship No

Department(s) Chemical Engineering and Chemistry

FTE 1,0

Date off 26/05/2024

Reference number V37.7434 

Job description

This project is to be carried out at TU/e – Eindhoven University of Technology in collaboration with ASML and M2i-Materials Innovation Institute.

From their development in ‘70s the number of transistors on microprocessors doubles every 2 years – Moore’s Law. Today, Moore’s Law drives megatrends that shape our connected world: development of AI, smart devices, intelligent materials, etc. This is enabled by the development of new photolithographic techniques that are pushing further microchip downsizing making semiconductors cheaper and electronic devices more powerful. The printing resolutions with the newest EUV technologies are as small as 8 nm, which is comparable to the atomic levels. To enable this, a proper light beam is needed but also extremely precise environmental control is required. Every particle, every wrinkle, every single vibration can disturb the photolithographic process. That’s why a lithographic equipment is kept on its own ecosystem – in a cleanroom and isolated from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

The semiconductor industry largely relies on fluorine-based materials– Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl compounds, so-called PFAS. Namely, they are omnipresent in lithographic equipment’s due to their unique combination of properties – they are very clean and have good mechanical properties and resistances. All materials used in vibrational damping control are currently PFAS-based which means that their production and disposal relate to environmental and health risks, and soon their use will be restricted due to upcoming PFAS-legislation. This project aims at investigating better performing and safer polymer materials for vibrational damping control, inside lithographic equipment’s.

The research will be conducted in close collaboration between a TU/e research group: Coatings, Surfaces and Interfaces (CSI)/ Physical Chemistry (SPC) which is part of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at TU/e (The Netherlands), ASML and M2i-Materials Innovation Institute who will coordinate the project.

The TU/e offers academic education that is driven by fundamental and applied research. We combine scientific curiosity with a hands-on mentality. Our educational philosophy is based on personal attention and room for individual ambitions and talents. Our research meets the highest international standards of quality. We push the limits of science, which puts us at the forefront of rapidly emerging areas of research.

Job requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, applied physics or related discipline.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• You are a talented, motivated and enthusiastic researcher.
• Preferably, with a strong background and interest in both polymer chemistry and physics, with experience in polymers and materials properties, and characterization techniques, namely mechanical, thermal and dynamic properties of polymers and its relation with polymer molecular structures and morphology.
• You should have a scientific attitude combined with a hands-on mentality and interest for application-oriented research.
• Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are valued characteristics.
• You are a naturally curious person, eager to learn more and with a strong interest in science and research.
• You have excellent communication (oral and writing) skills in English (C1 level) (prerequisite).
• You are a collaborative person, have a good team spirit, and like to work in an internationally oriented, social environment.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, salary starts with € 2.770,- in the first year to € 3.539,- in the fourth year
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information and application

About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager Dr. A.C.C. (Catarina) Esteves (a.c.c.esteves[a]tue.nl)

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. For information about terms of employment, click here or contact Leo van Houten, l.v.houten@tue.nl or +31 40 247 8269. 
Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of at least two references.
• List of BSc and MSc courses and grades

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.