Associate Research Scientist

INFICON•East Syracuse, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Research Scientist role is a key contributor within INFICON's Research team, supporting the planning and execution of research activities that advance sensor technology, instrumentation, and product development. This role applies scientific and engineering principles to help bring innovative measurement solutions from concept to validation. You will play a hands-on role in maintaining lab equipment, laboratory operations, prototype development, and data-driven analysis. You will work in our research team in Syracuse, collaborating with a group of around 20 scientists who have backgrounds in physics, chemistry, and other STEM fields. Our team specializes in Residual Gas Analyzers (RGAs), Gas Chromatography (GC), Plasma, Optical Emission Spectroscopy, thin film deposition monitoring tools and sensors, and related technologies. Our team focuses on driving innovation from a technology push perspective. We investigate emerging technologies for our smart manufacturing solutions and identify the most critical technical assumptions underlying each solution. These assumptions are then validated or invalidated through iterative learning cycles, which include experiments, literature research, simulation, and prototyping. For experimental work, we operate a Thin Film Epicenter equipped with several deposition tools and the Minifab, a research-type cleanroom designed to test our solutions and products in an application-focused research environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related STEM discipline with at least 2 years of relevant laboratory or research experience; OR a Master's or Ph.D. in a related field with 0–2 years of experience.
Candidates with a strong background in Physics or Chemistry and hands-on laboratory experience are particularly encouraged to apply.
Experience with high vacuum systems, thin film deposition technologies and semiconductor fabrication tools — including PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition), or ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) — is strongly preferred.
Familiarity with high vacuum technology, sensor systems, or analytical instrumentation is a plus.
Experience with data collection and analysis tools (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar) is beneficial.
Familiarity with using AI platforms (such as Claude Code) to develop these tools is also advantageous.
Familiarity with 3D CAD design software (e.g., Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent) and/or engineering simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL, or similar) is a plus.
Ability to work both independently and as a collaborative team member in an agile and fast-paced R&D environment.
Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail.
Practical problem-solving skills, particularly in troubleshooting equipment and experimental setups.
Clear written and verbal communication skills for documenting results and coordinating with cross-functional colleagues.
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities within a dynamic research environment.
Ability to thrive in a Lean and Agile work environment — comfortable adapting to shifting priorities, iterating quickly on experiments and processes, and contributing constructively within cross-functional teams.
Comfort working with hazardous materials and high-voltage equipment following established safety protocols.

Responsibilities

Plan and conduct research activities in support of ongoing R&D technology push learning cycles, and new product development, applying scientific or engineering principles to the product development process.
Build and test materials, sensor prototypes, and systems for research and product validation.
Assist in the design and setup of test stations and experimental setups and will qualify and document prototype performance under defined test conditions.
Gather, process, and analyze experimental results and data.
Maintain accurate and organized records of experimental observations, test results, and maintenance activities.
Contribute to updating instruction manuals, test procedures, and research documentation in collaboration with senior researchers.
Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on laboratory equipment, including vacuum chambers, roughing pumps, cryopumps, compressors, chillers, and water circulation systems (pumps, filters, tanks, and associated plumbing).
Perform simple machining, fixture building, and assembly tasks to support test stand setup and ongoing research needs.
Exercise a strong awareness of laboratory hazards such as implosion, explosion, high-voltage (up to 10kV), pyrophoric, and hazardous materials, where applicable.
Perform maintenance duties on equipment in the cleanroom, including the SEM, scrubber, and other specialized tools.
Support laboratory organization and 5S initiatives.
Monitor and restock laboratory consumables and materials; place and track orders with vendors.
Assist research scientists with repetitive or time-sensitive laboratory tasks, including supervision of deposition processes as required.
Respond independently to routine operational situations such as water leaks or minor equipment anomalies.