Research Scientist - Deposition Processes

Air Liquide; Newark, Northern (DE, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive family benefits

Paid parental leave

401(k) retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Paid holidays

Job summary

Air Liquide Electronics’ Innovation Campus Delaware seeks a Research Scientist to design and develop precursor molecules and deposition processes for ALD/CVD in semiconductor materials.

The role focuses on dielectric and metal thin films, with hands-on tool use, metrology, and advanced characterization to advance ALD processes for AL precursors. Collaboration across global teams and publication of results are expected.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s with relevant ALD/precursor experience.
• Hands-on/experiential expertise in ALD/CVD deposition processes.
• Experience with design, screening of organometallic precursors and deposition molecules.

Responsibilities

• Lead deposition process projects (CVD/ALD) and precursor design.
• Develop deposition molecules and evaluate precursor performance.
• Conduct literature and patent searches to identify patentable findings.
• Collaborate with global Air Liquide partners and external researchers.
• Communicate results through presentations and reports.

Skills

Global collaboration

Communication

Problem solving

Travel willingness

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Materials Science (ALD specialization)

Master’s degree with 3+ years industry experience

Tools

FTIR

Ellipsometry

XRR

XPS

AES

SEM

Job description

R10098019 Research Scientist - Deposition Processes (Open) Location: Newark, DE (ICD) - R&D - Electronics. The Innovation and Development Division (IDD) drives the innovation strategy for the Hubs and Operations, and contributes to the Group's transformation. It is responsible for imagining, developing and incubating new solutions until they are brought to market, particularly when it comes to offers with a high technological content (including digital and IT). IDD gathers more than 3,000 employees from 70 nationalities at 60 sites.

How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW? Innovation enables Air Liquide to open up new markets, develop its industry and create new solutions for its customers. Research and Development, the driver of innovation, contributes to the development of technologies and processes that open up new prospects and strengthens the Group’s competitive position. The Air Liquide R&D network is made up of 8 research centers spread over 3 continents. Overall, there are 1000 researchers of more than 35 nationalities developing innovations in the areas of industry, environment, healthcare and electronics.

The Customer Processes - Electronics group at the Innovation Campus Delaware (ICD) focuses on Semiconductor material development and supports AL Electronics businesses. Material development comprises of (1) design, synthesis, characterization electronic materials, (2) development of Atomic layer deposition processes for Air Liquide precursors and (3) design, characterization and development of various etching processes for Etchants. The team is is both multidisciplinary and multinational from a variety of countries around the world including the US, Canada, India, China, Taiwan, Vietnam.

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and developing the precursor molecules and deposition processes of Organometallic and inorganic compounds for application in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. The processes will include the deposition of dielectric materials, metals and complex alloys by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and Chemical Vapor deposition (CVD) techniques. Experience working with ALD tools and use of advanced metrology and characterization is highly desired.

As a global market leader in gases, technologies, and services for the tech sector, Air Liquide Electronics is the engine driving the next generation of digital evolution. We partner with the world's foremost semiconductor, flat panel display, and photovoltaic manufacturers, supplying the ultra-pure carrier gases and advanced molecules essential to making technology smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient. Our innovations sit at the heart of today's most exciting tech megatrends—from Artificial Intelligence and 5G to autonomous mobility—all while actively advancing sustainability and decarbonization within the semiconductor ecosystem.

By joining our passionate global team, you will enter a collaborative, learning-focused environment where your unique talents are championed and your everyday work directly shapes the future of how the world connects.

At Air Liquide, we RESPECT, HONOR and VALUE diversity.

Air Liquide is Hiring for a Research Scientist - Newark, DE. We are looking for you !

Our Differences make our Performance At Air Liquide, we are committed to build a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders and cultures across the world.

We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their background.

We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to innovate by living our fundamentals, acting for our success and creating an engaging environment in a changing world.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Family Benefits: Airgas offers a full benefits package designed to support your whole life, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance.
• Support for Parents: We offer up to 14-week paid child birth benefits to support growing families.
• Future Security: 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match, Tuition Assistance, Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick time.
• Early Access: Your benefits start after just 30 days of employment ( Day 1 for Air Liquide) / Your benefits start after just 1 day of employment

Duties and Responsibilities

• Safety Leadership: Serve as a safety role model; promote a high level of safety awareness, ensure IMS compliance within the team/facility, and support continuous improvement in safety practices.
• Deposition Process & precursor Design: Lead projects involving semiconductor related deposition processes, including both CVD and ALD, the design of new deposition molecules, and process evaluation for semiconductor applications.
• Contribute in for design, screening of organometallic precursors for deposition of dielectric and metal thin films, develop relevant metrology tools and developing ALD processes for application in the semiconductor.
• Structure-Property Evaluation: Build fundamental knowledge of the relationship between deposition molecule structures and functional performance using both in-situ and ex-situ advanced analysis and film characterization techniques.
• Intellectual Property & Literature: Conduct literature and patent searches, recognize and document patentable findings, and actively promote the innovative development of intellectual property.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building: Develop and sustain relationships with global Air Liquide business partners, operations units, customers, OEMs, and academic/consortia partners to transfer process know-how and meet immediate technical needs.
• Technical Communication: Prepare high-quality presentation materials and reports for internal teams, global R&D networks, and external technical conferences or journals.
• Agility: Maintain a self-driven, flexible mindset to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing R&D priorities.

Required Qualifications

• Education: PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Material Science with specialization in ALD processes and ALD precursors or a Master’s degree with 3+ years of industry relevant experience.
• Technical Expertise: Hands-on experience with plasma-based and/or thermal ALD tools including troubleshooting/maintenance is highly desired.
• Hands-on experience with chemical and gas handling is also highly desired.
• Thin Film Analytical Competency: Strong expertise and hands-on experience with multiple analytical and film characterization techniques (e.g., FTIR, Ellipsometry, XRR, XPS, AES, SEM, etc).
• Global Collaboration: Proven ability to work efficiently on multi-disciplinary, international teams and build internal/external networks.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a strong publication or presentation track record in technical conferences or journals.
• Problem Solving: Self-motivated individual with the ability to define and solve complex problems in collaboration with business units and external partners.
• 5% travel, domestic and international

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Coordination: Demonstrated capacity to successfully oversee and execute multiple research initiatives concurrently.
• Analytical Insight: Competence in synthesizing data and identifying potential technical bottlenecks that may impact R&D timelines.
• Results Orientation: Proactive mindset with the agility to navigate obstacles and adapt to shifting R&D requirements while managing risk.
• Professional Growth: Continuous commitment to learning and a self-driven motivation to expand organizational technical capabilities.