PhD candidate Time-resolved optical spectroscopy

Faculty of Science – Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography

In the Nanophotochemistry group at Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL) a PhD position is available for experimental research on EUV induced time-resolved spectroscopy. This project offers exciting challenges to a PhD candidate with experience in laser spectroscopy, who is interested to work at the interface between physics and chemistry, in part guided by an industrial application perspective.

Project description

The Nanophotochemistry group investigates the fundamental mechanisms of pattern formation by extreme ultraviolet radiation in photoresist films. 

Photoresists are an essential element of photolithographic technology, because they transfer the pattern of irradiation to the underlying substrates. In order to be able to write smaller patterns, radiation at very short wavelengths (Extreme UV, 13.5 nm) is currently used. For this wavelength, new photoresists need to be designed and optimized. Our ambition is to support this development by providing the fundamental understanding of the processes from EUV photon absorption to chemical change. 

Recently, photoresist materials have been proposed that are composed of metal oxide nanoparticles. Our research in the near future will be aimed at the early events in such materials after EUV photon absorption. Which steps can be identified? At which point is the efficiency of the pattern formation determined? How can our results guide the improvement of photoresists? Our main tools are state-of-the-art time- and space-resolved optical absorption and luminescence spectroscopies using table-top laser-based EUV generation.

The Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL) focuses on the fundamental physics involved in current and future key technologies in nanolithography, primarily for the semiconductor industry. ARCNL is a public-private partnership between the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter (FOM), the University of Amsterdam (UvA), the VU University Amsterdam (VU) and the semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML. ARCNL is located at the Science Park Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and is currently building up towards a size of approximately 100 scientists and support staff.

Requirements

You have (or will receive in the near future) a master’s degree in chemical physics or physical chemistry and hands-on experience with laser spectroscopy.

 Further information

• Prof. Fred Brouwer, Group leader Nanophotochemistry ARCNL
  T: +31 (0)20 851 7115 / 525 5491

Appointment

You will be appointed by the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and work within the Nanophotochemistry group of the Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL). ARCNL is a public-private partnership between the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter (FOM), the University of Amsterdam (UvA), the VU University Amsterdam (VUA) and the semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML.
The position is intended as full-time appointment in the service of the University of Amsterdam for the duration of four years (initially 18 months and - after positive evaluation - extended to four years). This appointment should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). A training & supervision plan will be drafted, including attendance of courses and (international) meetings. The PhD candidate is also expected to assist in teaching undergraduates.

Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €2,125 in the first year to €2,717 in the last year. The Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities is applicable.

UvA Faculty of Science assists any new PhD candidate with visa applications and ARCNL can assist with housing.

Job application

Applications for the position at the University of Amsterdam may be submitted to application@arcnl.nl or:

• ARCNL
  P&O department
  PO Box 93019
  NL - 1090 BA Amsterdam

To process your application immediately, please quote vacancy number 15-109 and the position you are applying for in the subject-line. Although the closing date is 1 July 2015, the procedure may be closed earlier, once an excellent candidate has been contracted.

Applications must include a resume, a motivation on why do you want to join the group (max. 1 page). Applications without this motivation will not be taken into account. However, with this motivation your application will receive our full attention.

Online screening may be part of the selection.
No agencies please