Research Chemist

KLA-Belgium; Totowa (NJ); On-site; USD 106,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(K) matching

Stock purchase program (ESPP)

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

KLA in Totowa, NJ seeks a senior analytical chemist to lead the development of chemical analyzers and quantitative methods for process fluids. You will develop, validate, and optimize measurement techniques with emphasis on accuracy and robustness, collaborating across chemistry, engineering, and product teams.

The role requires strong analytical chemistry expertise, data interpretation, and problem-solving to support product development and manufacturing excellence.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or closely related field.
• Strong background in quantitative analytical chemistry.
• Experience developing, optimizing, validating chemical measurement methods.
• Experience with analytical method performance characteristics (accuracy, precision, limits).
• Ability to interpret complex datasets and translate results into methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of innovative chemical analyzers and quantitative analytical methods for measuring process fluids used in the semiconductor industry.
• Develop, optimize, and validate quantitative chemical measurement methods with emphasis on accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and robustness.
• Apply analytical chemistry principles to solve measurement and process-control challenges.
• Lead experimental investigations to establish method performance and uncertainty.
• Design and execute statistically sound experiments; analyze data and report results.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with chemistry, engineering, software, and product teams to translate methods into automated analyzer systems.
• Troubleshoot complex analytical problems using experimental data and root-cause investigation.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and presentations documenting methods and results.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Statistical analysis

Electrochemistry

Laboratory methods

Data interpretation

Education

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry

Master's degree in Chemistry or related field

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Cyclic voltammetry

Voltammetry

Titration

Spectroscopy

Chromatography

Job description

To make electronics, you need chips, wafers, transistors, reticles, and... To make these, you must see, test and manufacture them at scale—faster and better than ever before. That's where KLA comes in. Whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional, you'll solve complex challenges, work alongside brilliant minds and help shape the future of technology.

Group/Division The Semiconductor Products and Customers (Semi PC)

The Semiconductor Products and Customers (Semi PC) business unit designs, builds and sells KLA’s product portfolio to help chip manufacturers meet high-quality standards for technologies like AI, data centers, automotive and electronic devices. Our inspection, metrology, and analytics systems detect and monitor defects across logic and memory chips, specialty semiconductors, wafers, reticles, advanced packaging, process equipment and materials. We also develop technologies for specialty processes, IC substrates, and PCB manufacturing, including etch and deposition, component inspection, and imaging and analytics.

The ECI Division at KLA

The ECI Division at KLA delivers chemical metrology and process control solutions that enable precise monitoring and control of critical wet process steps in semiconductor and advanced packaging manufacturing. By providing real time chemical analysis and management systems, ECI helps customers prevent yield limiting defects, stabilize complex metallization and cleaning processes and support next generation device and packaging technologies.

What You'll Do

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of innovative chemical analyzers and quantitative analytical methods for measuring process fluids used in the semiconductor industry.
• Develop, optimize, and validate quantitative chemical measurement methods, with emphasis on accuracy, precision, sensitivity, selectivity, linearity, robustness, and reproducibility.
• Apply a strong foundation in analytical chemistry, chemical equilibria, electrochemistry, and quantitative analysis to solve complex measurement and process-control challenges.
• Lead experimental investigations to establish method performance, measurement capability, detection limits, sources of variability, and analytical uncertainty.
• Design and execute statistically sound experiments; perform quantitative data analysis, interpret results, identify trends, and translate findings into robust analytical methods.
• Drive innovation in analytical methodologies and measurement technologies to improve the performance, reliability, and differentiation of ECI products.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with chemistry, engineering, software, and product teams to translate analytical methods into automated chemical analyzer systems.
• Troubleshoot complex analytical and chemical measurement problems using a combination of experimental data, chemical principles, statistical analysis, and root-cause investigation.
• Validate analytical methods developed in R&D and establish appropriate calibration, performance verification, and method acceptance criteria.
• Support product development and commercialization through laboratory testing, method transfer, technical documentation, and ongoing technical support.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, scientific publications, and presentations documenting analytical methods, experimental results, and conclusions.
• Present scientific and technical findings to internal teams, customers, and at technical conferences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Electrochemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Strong background in quantitative analytical chemistry, including demonstrated experience developing, optimizing, and validating chemical measurement methods.
• Demonstrated understanding of analytical method performance characteristics, including accuracy, precision, sensitivity, selectivity, linearity, detection/quantitation limits, robustness, reproducibility, and measurement uncertainty.
• Experience applying statistical and quantitative data-analysis techniques to analytical method development, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Hands‑on experience with analytical instrumentation and laboratory method development, ideally involving process‑fluid or solution‑phase chemical analysis.
• Experience with electrochemical analytical techniques, including voltammetry such as cyclic voltammetry and stripping methods, strongly preferred.
• Experience with additional quantitative analytical techniques such as titration, spectroscopy, chromatography, elemental analysis, or related instrumental methods is highly desirable.
• Ability to understand the underlying chemical principles and measurement mechanisms of analytical techniques rather than relying solely on instrument operation.
• Demonstrated ability to investigate complex analytical problems, identify sources of measurement variability or interference, and develop technically sound solutions.
• Ability to interpret complex experimental datasets and translate results into actionable conclusions and reliable analytical methods.
• Strong scientific communication skills, including technical writing, method documentation, scientific publications, and technical presentations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience;
• Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years;
• Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years.

About KLA

We provide advanced inspection tools, metrology systems, process solutions, and computational analytics that make electronics possible, tackling complex challenges. From electron and photon optics to machine learning and data analytics, we seek perfection at the most fundamental level of matter in the universe. If you want to make electronics that push industries forward and make the world a better place, join us.

Total Rewards Base Pay Range: $106,000.00 - $155,467.00 Annually Primary Location: USA-NJ-Totowa-KLA

Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life
• other voluntary benefits
• 401(K) including company matching
• employee stock purchase program (ESPP)
• student debt assistance
• tuition reimbursement program
• development and career growth opportunities and programs
• financial planning benefits
• wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP)
• paid time off and paid company holidays
• family care and bonding leave

Use of AI Statement

At KLA, our interviews seek to understand your individual skills, problem-solving approach and authentic thinking. To ensure a fair and consistent evaluation, the use of AI, recording tools or other technologies to generate, suggest or provide responses during interviews—whether virtual or in person is not permitted unless explicitly approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation or invited by the interviewer. Use of these tools may interfere with our ability to evaluate your individual qualifications and affect your candidacy. KLA is committed to advancing innovation through responsible AI, and we value candidates who share this mindset.

Equal Opportunity Statement

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at [e-mail] or at [phone] to request accommodation. For additional information, view the US Know Your Rights poster on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website. We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us.