Scientific researcher in optical models & algorithms illumination (part-time option available, m/w/x)

Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH; Oberkochen; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Cars Zeiss SMT GmbH in Germany seeks a researcher to support models and develop algorithms for next-generation lithography products. You will work in interdisciplinary teams across optics, materials science, software, and product development to translate research into practical applications.

The role emphasizes scalable, robust algorithm design, collaboration, and communication of results and roadmaps to stakeholders; PhD or Postdoc welcome, with strong programming and scientific curiosity in

Qualifications

• Master of Science or Diploma degree (preferably in Physics, Computational Physics/Math/Chemistry, engineering with HPC focus, or similar) with initial professional experience (PhD or Postdoc welcome).
• Strong scientific curiosity and deep dive into lithography systems, particularly illumination.
• Able to work in interdisciplinary, team-oriented environments and communicate across technical backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Support models and algorithms team with subject-matter expertise and in-depth methods knowledge.
• Develop new algorithms for next-generation products to compute performance and physical quantities, and model lifetime behavior.
• Collaborate in interdisciplinary teams to translate research into application.
• Plan, implement, validate, and document scalable and robust algorithms.
• Communicate results, technical decisions, and roadmaps to stakeholders at all levels.

Skills

Python

C++

Julia

Matlab

Education

MSc or Diploma in Physics/Computational Physics/Math/Engineering

Tools

Python

C++

Julia

Matlab

Job description

Enabler for smaller, more powerful, and more energy-efficient microchips Working for tomorrow today. Around 80 percent of all microchips worldwide are produced using ZEISS technologies. As the centerpiece of every electronically controlled system, they have become an integral part of our everyday lives – whether in smartphones, smart homes or smart factories. ZEISS is a technology leader in the field of semiconductor manufacturing equipment. With high-precision lithography optics, photomask systems and process control solutions, ZEISS enables the production of ever smaller, increasingly powerful, and more energy-efficient microchips, and thus plays a pivotal role in the age of micro- and nanoelectronics.

Your Role

Support the models and algorithms team with your subject-matter expertise and in-depth knowledge of relevant methods.

Develop new algorithms for next-generation products to compute performance and physical quantities, as well as to model lifetime behavior.

Collaborate in interdisciplinary teams (e.g., optics, materials science, software, product development) to seamlessly translate research into application.

Be a creative, innovative contributor to the team dynamics: identify transfer opportunities from adjacent topics into the illumination domain.

Plan, implement, validate, and document algorithms with a focus on scalability and robustness.

Communicate results, technical decisions, and roadmaps to stakeholders at all levels.

Your Profile

You have a successfully completed Master of Science or Diploma degree (preferably in Physics, Computational Physics/Math/Chemistry, engineering with HPC focus, or similar) with initial professional experience in academic and/or industrial environments (PhD or Postdoc welcome).

You show a strong scientific curiosity and are ready to dive deep into the theory of lithography systems, particularly in the domain of illumination.

You are comfortable in an interdisciplinary, team-oriented environment and have demonstrated in various projects that you enjoy working self-motivated and structured according to scientific methods.

You can communicate effectively and convey the most important aspects of your work to people with different technical backgrounds.

Good programming skills, preferably in Python, C++, Julia or Matlab.

Experience and interest in sustainable software development are welcome.

ZEISS Recruiting Team: Matthias Sonnentag

Step out of your comfort zone, excel and redefine the limits of what is possible. That's just what our employees are doing every single day - in order to set the pace through our innovations and enable outstanding achievements. After all, behind every successful company are many great fascinating people. In a spacious modern setting full of opportunities for further development, ZEISS employees work in a place where expert knowledge and team spirit reign supreme. All of this is supported by a special ownership structure and the long-term goal of the Carl Zeiss Foundation: to bring science and society into the future together. Join us today. Inspire people tomorrow.

Diversity is a part of ZEISS. We look forward to receiving your application regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, philosophy of life, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity.