Senior Particle Chemist

FUJIFILM Electronic Materials (Europe) N.V.; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

FUJIFILM Electronic Materials, U.S.A., Inc. in Mesa, AZ seeks a Senior Particle Chemist to lead silica particle design, synthesis, and surface modification for advanced semiconductor applications.

You will drive BEOL slurry and buff chemical formulations, conduct mechanistic studies, and ensure formulation reliability. The role requires a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science, plus 1–2 years in the semiconductor industry.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science is required.
• 1–2 years of semiconductor industry experience (FEOL/MOL/BEOL) preferred.
• Strong analytical and experimental skills with chemistry knowledge.
• Experience with silica abrasives, colloidal science, corrosion mechanisms, and electrochemistry is desirable.
• Proficiency with MS Office and data analysis software (e.g., JMP).

Responsibilities

• Lead design, synthesis, and surface modification of silica particles for advanced semiconductor applications.
• Develop BEOL CMP slurry and buff chemical formulations aligned with specs.
• Conduct mechanistic studies to understand slurry interactions with films.
• Design and refine slurry formulation development methodologies for reliability.
• Collaborate with engineering, lab staff, and cross-functional teams; provide technical consultation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Experimental expertise

Data analysis

Chemistry knowledge

Education

PhD in Chemistry

PhD in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Materials Science

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

JMP

Job description

Position Overview

FUJIFILM Electronic Materials, U.S.A., Inc., is a global leader in chemical solutions which enable the semiconductor industry and the digital universe. We have an exciting opportunity at our Mesa, AZ facility for a Senior Particle Chemist!

With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Europe, Taiwan, China, Korea and Japan, local sales offices throughout the world and on-site applications support, FUJIFILM Electronic Materials supplies the world's top tier semiconductor manufacturers with a broad array of products and services used throughout the semiconductor manufacturing process.

The Role

The Senior Particle Chemist will primarily focus on silica particle synthesis and surface modification, dedicating significant effort to developing and optimizing particle fabrication processes. This includes designing, synthesizing, and tailoring silica particles with precise control over size, morphology, and surface properties to meet stringent performance requirements. Additionally, the role involves leading the development of BEOL slurry and buff chemical formulations, driving innovation through fundamental and mechanistic studies to enhance formulation performance and reliability.

The candidate will apply deep scientific expertise to support emerging materials and next-generation technology development, solving complex challenges to ensure advanced CMP solutions align with evolving industry demands and contribute to the successful commercialization of cutting-edge semiconductor processes.

Company Overview

FUJIFILM Electronic Materials, U.S.A. fuels innovation in the semiconductor industry—where chemistry meets technology. Our advanced materials and formulations enable manufacturers to build the microchips that power Artificial Intelligence, computers, electric vehicles, smartphones, and more.

We’re a global business‑to‑business supplier of chemical formulations and advanced materials used for manufacturing and packaging semiconductors. Our chemical formulations allow top manufacturers to produce microchips that both power and connect our digital world. Think you’ve got what it takes to build a more connected world? Then connect with us today and challenge the boundaries of what’s possible—for the world and your future.

We have six U.S. manufacturing and Research & Development facilities, located in: Mesa, Arizona; Castroville, California; Hollister, California; Carrollton, Texas; and North Kingstown, Rhode Island—each offering unique local experiences, from vibrant cultural scenes to historic charm.

Fujifilm is globally headquartered in Tokyo with over 70,000 employees across four key business segments of healthcare, electronics, business innovation, and imaging. We are guided and united by our Group Purpose of "giving our world more smiles." Visit: https://www.fujifilm.com/us/en/about/region/careers

Job Description

Key responsibilities for this role include:

• Lead the design, synthesis, and surface modification of silica particles to achieve precise control over their size, morphology, and functional properties for advanced semiconductor applications.
• Develop innovative BEOL CMP slurry and buff chemical formulations aligned with customer requirements and semiconductor technology node specifications.
• Conduct fundamental and mechanistic studies to understand interactions between slurry chemistries and dielectric/metal films, enhancing formulation performance.
• Design and refine methodologies for slurry formulation development and optimization, ensuring reliability and effectiveness.
• Apply expertise in organic/inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry, interfacial chemistry, corrosion inhibitors, and surfactants to achieve desired polishing outcomes.
• Support emerging materials and next‑generation technology development through formulation innovation and problem‑solving.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, lab staff, and cross‑functional teams to address technical challenges and align with project goals.
• Provide technical consultation to Applications, R&D, Process Development, and Manufacturing teams.
• Conduct literature reviews, IP searches, document findings, and contribute to patent filings.
• Maintain hands‑on involvement in laboratory experiments and testing, ensuring data accuracy and reproducibility.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science.
• One to two years of experience in the semiconductor industry, specifically in FEOL, MOL, and BEOL processes, CMP slurry formulation, polishing techniques, and metrology tools is preferred.
• Demonstrated strong analytical skills, experimental expertise, and comprehensive knowledge of chemistry.
• Experience with silica abrasives, colloidal science, corrosion mechanisms, and electrochemistry is highly desirable.
• Highly motivated and innovative individual with a strong commitment to research and development, focused on delivering impactful and practical solutions.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently while meeting deadlines and achieving project goals.
• Excellent communication skills, coupled with strong data collection, time management, and organizational capabilities.
• Proficiency in software applications including MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and JMP is required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

We value a professional, adaptable, and collaborative work environment. The following competencies are essential for success in any role and reflect our commitment to effective teamwork, problem solving, and workplace communication.

• Resilience -Ability to adapt to workplace challenges, maintain professionalism, and manage responsibilities effectively.
• Communication-Capacity to clearly and professionally exchange ideas, interact respectfully with colleagues and customers, and foster positive workplace relationships.
• Reasoning & Decision Making -Ability to analyze information, follow verbal and written instructions, and make logical, sound decisions.
• Comprehension -Capability to understand and complete tasks as assigned and solve problems effectively.
• Organizational Skills -Competence in managing multiple priorities, maintaining accuracy, and staying focused despite potential workplace distractions.

EEO Information

Fujifilm is committedto providing equal opportunities in hiring, promotion and advancement, compensation, benefits, and training regardless of nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, political creed, ideology, national, or social origin, disability, veteran status, etc.

ADA Information

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre‑employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our HR Department ([e-mail]).