Dry Etch Researcher for 2D/1D Materials – 24-Month Contract

Imec; Heverlee; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

IMEC in Leuven, Belgium seeks a Researcher for developing next-generation dry etch processes for low-dimensional materials (2D/1D) to enable advanced CMOS devices.

You will design, execute and optimize plasma/vapor etch experiments, collaborate across teams, and present findings at internal reviews and external conferences. Travel to the Netherlands is part of the role, with a fixed-term 24-month contract.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related field.
• Experience in plasma processing, dry etch, or semiconductor manufacturing.
• Experience in 2D or 1D materials is a strong asset.
• Enjoy solving complex technical challenges and are motivated by innovation and technology development.
• Can work independently while collaborating effectively in multidisciplinary and international teams.
• Strong 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.
• Open to travel regularly to the Netherlands to execute some experimental work.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced dry etch solutions for low dimensional materials.
• Work with imec’s pilot line, Explore lab and characterization infrastructure.
• Design, execute, and analyze plasma, vapor or combined etch processes.
• Investigate new process concepts and chemistries for future device fabrication.
• Collaborate with processing, integration, metrology, and device teams to optimize performance.
• Present results at reviews, partner meetings, conferences and publications.
• Monitor industry trends and contribute to imec’s patterning roadmap.
• Support process transfer to imec’s 300 mm pilot line.

Skills

Independence

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Data analysis experience

Process characterization

Experimental design

English communication

Willing to travel

Education

PhD in Physics/Chemistry/Materials Science

Job description

IMEC in Leuven, Belgium seeks a Researcher for developing next-generation dry etch processes for low-dimensional materials (2D/1D) to enable advanced CMOS devices.

You will design, execute and optimize plasma/vapor etch experiments, collaborate across teams, and present findings at internal reviews and external conferences. Travel to the Netherlands is part of the role, with a fixed-term 24-month contract.