Head of Thin Film Processing - DTU Nanolab

DTU; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 1,100,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Nanolab seeks a Head of Thin Film Processing to lead plasma etch and deposition processes, including ICP/RIE, PECVD, LPCVD and PVD. You will guide a team of skilled specialists, drive new process flows, and collaborate with academic and industrial partners in Denmark and beyond.

You will shape the future of nanofabrication, contribute to EU projects, and participate in procurement while maintaining safety and excellence in a high-tech environment.

Qualifications

• Master of Science and Ph.D. in Micro/Nanofabrication, Physics, or Microelectronics.
• At least 10 years of experience in cleanroom fabrication related to etch and deposition.
• Ability to collaborate with academic and commercial users.
• Broad knowledge of nano-fabrication methods: lithography, wet/dry etching, thin film deposition, characterization.
• Deep knowledge of plasma and non-plasma processes, and process development.
• Experience leading technical staff and shaping strategy.
• Fluency in English; Danish knowledge or willingness to learn helpful.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for a team of process specialists.
• Lead development and optimization of new process flows for thin film processing.
• Interact with academic and industrial users to identify needs and opportunities.
• Participate in procurement of new equipment and ensure safety and compliance.
• Contribute to DTU Nanolab core management and cross-border collaborations.

Skills

Cleanroom fabrication

Lithography

Plasma etch

Deposition

Process development

Leadership

English fluency

Danish learning intent

Education

Master of Science degree

Ph.D. degree

Tools

ICP etching

RIE etching

PECVD

LPCVD

ALD

PVD

SEM

AFM

XRD

XPS

Ellipsometry

Job description

DTU Nanolab offers a truly unique opportunity, we are seeking a Head of Thin Film Processing, a position that has not been open for more than 20 years.

At DTU Nanolab we operate at the intersection of academia and industry, creating a unique environment for research, innovation and collaboration. Being Head of Thin Film Processing offers a rare chance to step into a central role within one of Denmark’s most advanced research and technology facilities.

We are looking for an experienced nanofabrication manager who can lead a team of highly experienced process specialists while advancing state-of-the-art technologies and driving the development and optimization of new process flows.

The role demands strong technological insight, solid leadership capabilities, and the ability to navigate a complex and ambitious professional environment. In return, we offer a position with significant influence, where you will help shape the future of nanotechnology.

Job content

As the Head of Thin Film Processing, you will be overall responsible for processes and tools related to plasma etch and deposition of materials. This includes but is not limited to ICP and RIE etchers, PECVD, LPCVD and PVD as well as ALD and relevant in-line characterization equipment (SEM, AFM, XRD, XPS, ellipsometry). You will interact with and advise both academic and industrial users, you will identify needs and participate in the procurement of new equipment and be responsible for processes and material cross-contamination rules related to new and existing tools. In this role, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for a team of highly experienced process specialists, while contributing as an active member of DTU Nanolab’s core management team. We foster a supportive and collaborative working environment with a strong team spirit, and expect you to lead with curiosity, pragmatism, and a solution-oriented mindset.

Furthermore, you will take part in projects that will expand DTU Nanolab’s technological capabilities and expertise in close interaction with research groups and other academic and industrial collaborators. Additionally, you will play a significant part in DTU Nanolab’s ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration across the Nordic countries and EU, within for example: EuroNanoLab, Nordic Nanolab Network or EU Chips Joint Undertaking efforts.

Qualifications

You must have a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. degree within a relevant field, such as Micro/Nanofabrication, Physics, Microelectronics, or similar. Industrial experience is a distinct advantage.

We expect you to have:

• At least 10 years of experience within cleanroom fabrication related to etch and deposition of various materials.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with both academic and commercial users
• Broad knowledge of nano-fabrication methods such as lithography (UV, DUV, e-beam), wet chemical etching, dry etching, thin film deposition and process characterization, backend and packaging on a wafer level scale.
• In depth knowledge of plasma processes for deposition and etching of materials (ICP, RIE, PECVD, LPCVD, PEALD and sputter).
• In depth knowledge of non-plasma processes (anneal, oxidation, diffusion doping, RTP, ALD, thermal and e-beam PVD).
• Several years of experience with process development including process yield and process windows.
• A broad understanding of the micro- and nanofabrication industry and an in depth understanding of its requirements, challenges and timelines.
• Deep knowledge of common semiconductor materials like silicon, various oxides and metals.
• Experience and understanding regarding cleanroom, chemical and electrical safety.
• Proven leadership experience, including responsibility for leading highly skilled technical staff.
• Fluency in English - both spoken and written, preferable also Danish but at least an interest and ambition to learn Danish.

Furthermore, it is desirable that you:

• Are communicative, proactive and curious.
• Are self-driven and team oriented.
• Have the ability to inspire and engage others.
• Have a wholehearted enthusiasm for semiconductor fabrication technology.
• Have several years of relevant industrial experience.

Physical and mental requirements

At DTU Nanolab, safety is a top priority, and we are looking for candidates who can thrive in a highly safety-conscious environment and meet the following physical and mental requirements:

• Is able to work in an environment where it can be necessary to wear specialized safety and protective equipment.
• Is able to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations, including evacuation in case of alarms.
• Is able to perform tasks that require work while standing up and mobility for longer periods.
• Is mentally able to handle work with potentially hazardous chemicals and gases in accordance with our mandatory safety procedures.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for academic staff employed in technical-administrative positions at DTU (AC TAP): www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.

The position is a full-time position. Starting as early as possible with respect to mutual agreement.

As Head of Thin Film Processing, you will directly report to the Director of DTU Nanolab.

The workplace is DTU Lyngby Campus, located approximately 10 km north of Copenhagen.

Application and contact

Please submit your online application no later than 20 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Open the "Apply now" link, fill out the form and attach your motivated application, CV and exam certificates.

If you would like additional information about the position, please contact Jörg Hübner, Director, [e-mail] or [phone].

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Nanolab is a common infrastructure and research facility located at and fully owned by the Technical University of Denmark, DTU. The core facilities consist of a large cleanroom and a state-of-the-art electron microscopy center. The research activities carried out at DTU Nanolab span from nano- and microfabrication with Silicon-based materials, carbon and polymers to the highly sophisticated analysis of nanoscale materials in hard and soft matter.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829 DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.