Introduction to the job

To strengthen the chemistry and materials science competence, ASML Research is looking for an Surface Chemist /Catalysis Scientist who can add value to the understanding and development of chemical reactions at the surfaces.

Job Mission

ASML is seeking a scientist with expertise in surface chemistry, catalysis and reaction mechanisms at solid-gas and solid-liquid interfaces. In this role, you will investigate chemical processes occurring on material surfaces, understand degradation and contamination mechanisms, and develop solutions for future lithography applications.

The successful candidate will combine a fundamental understanding of chemistry with a hands-on experimental approach to solve complex technological challenges requiring atomic and molecular level insight.

Role and Responsibilities

The main focus of this position will be:

• Understand and investigate chemical reactions occurring at material interfaces and surfaces.
• Study adsorption, desorption, catalytic reactions and degradation mechanisms relevant to lithography applications.
• Investigate contamination, cleaning and surface modification processes.
• Establish relationships between surface chemistry, material properties and product performance.
• Design and execute experiments to understand reaction mechanisms and chemical pathways.
• Develop and demonstrate feasibility of novel materials, coatings and surface treatments.
• Apply advanced surface analytical techniques to characterize interfaces and reaction products.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Document, present and communicate scientific findings to stakeholders and development teams.

Education

PhD with a strong background in surface chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis.

Experience

• Proven experience in studying chemical reaction mechanisms and catalytic processes.
• Experience with adsorption, surface functionalization, thin-film chemistry or contamination control.
• Experience in catalyst development, reaction kinetics and mechanistic studies.
• Knowledge of gas-surface and liquid-surface interactions.
• Experience with advanced characterization techniques such as XPS, ToF-SIMS, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, AFM or related methods.
• Experience correlating surface chemistry and nano-scale characterization with functional performance.
• Familiarity with data analysis and scientific programming tools (MATLAB, Python or equivalent).
• Excellent analytical, experimental and problem-solving skills.
• Thrives in a laboratory environment and enjoys translating scientific questions into experiments, generating data and uncovering root causes through hands-on investigation.

Personal skills

• Have excellent written and oral communication skills and a commitment to achieving results on time while under time constraints; High energy, high ownership, high level of dedication.
• Be willing to jump in on new issues, identify root cause and propose practical solutions.
• Be able to break down complex problems with limited data to come to solutions – strong critical thinking capability.
• Have demonstrated “team player” with a quality orientation and interpersonal skills.
• Be able to interface with multidisciplinary groups and work effectively in a team and be willing to take on responsibility.
• Be a passionate experimental scientist who enjoys working in the laboratory, developing new experiments, operating advanced characterization tools and uncovering root causes through hands-on investigation.
• Be able to quickly acquire technical knowledge from documentation and on-the-job training and be capable of thoroughly investigating technical issues (analytically and hands-on in a lab).

Context of the position

The Research Materials Science and Chemistry group is part of the Research department of ASML. This group identifies and addresses technological gaps in the future roadmap of lithography and the lithography market.

Our focus is on advanced materials, surface chemistry, contamination control, plasma-surface interactions and the interaction of light (13.5 nm) with gases and materials within lithography systems. We seek to understand the fundamental mechanisms governing material performance, degradation and functionality in demanding operating environments.

We work in multidisciplinary teams and deliver solutions that can be transferred to Development and Engineering. We collaborate extensively with leading universities, research institutes and industrial partners worldwide to bring new scientific insights into ASML products.

This position offers a unique opportunity to apply fundamental chemistry and catalysis knowledge to solve highly complex challenges at the forefront of semiconductor technology

This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the United States Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. § 730, et seq.). Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access such controlled technology prior to beginning work. Business demands may require ASML to proceed with candidates who are immediately eligible to access controlled technology.

Inclusion and diversity

ASML is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that inclusion and diversity is a driving force in the success of our company.

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