Postdoctoral Process Engineer – MacEtch for X-ray Optics

1000scholars; Zürich; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

ETH Zurich's X-ray Imaging Professorship seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher or Process Engineer to join the ABSOLUTE project at Paul Scherrer Institute. Your work will advance metal assisted chemical etching (MacEtch) for high‑aspect‑ratio silicon microstructures used in next‑gen X‑ray optics.

You will expand MacEtch testing, optimize process parameters, and contribute to robust fabrication workflows. A PhD and semiconductor cleanroom experience are required; travel within Europe is possible.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering or related field.
• Experience in semiconductor cleanrooms with photolithography and SEM.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities; proactive and collaborative.
• Willingness to travel within Europe (up to 20%).
• Excellent written and verbal English communication.

Responsibilities

• Expand and enhance MacEtch testing across features/sizes and aspect ratios.
• Investigate defect formation, optimize parameters, assess scalability.
• Characterize high‑aspect‑ratio etched microstructures and develop metrology & defect analysis.
• Fabricate and process samples on silicon wafers using MacEtch and related steps.
• Document procedures, analyze data, and contribute to reports and publications.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Prioritization

English communication

Education

PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering

Tools

Photolithography

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

MEMS fabrication

Job description

ETH Zurich's X-ray Imaging Professorship seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher or Process Engineer to join the ABSOLUTE project at Paul Scherrer Institute. Your work will advance metal assisted chemical etching (MacEtch) for high‑aspect‑ratio silicon microstructures used in next‑gen X‑ray optics.

You will expand MacEtch testing, optimize process parameters, and contribute to robust fabrication workflows. A PhD and semiconductor cleanroom experience are required; travel within Europe is possible.