Associate Research Scientist

INFICON•East Syracuse, NY

4h•Onsite

About The Position

INFICON is a leading provider of innovative instrumentation, critical sensor technologies, and Smart Manufacturing/Industry 4.0 software solutions that enhance productivity and quality across various industries, including air conditioning/refrigeration, automotive manufacturing, semiconductor and thin film coatings fabrication, and life sciences. The company also leverages its vacuum technology expertise for toxic chemical analysis products used in emergency response, security, and environmental health and safety. The Associate Research Scientist role is a key contributor within INFICON's Research team, supporting the planning and execution of research activities to advance sensor technology, instrumentation, and product development. This position involves applying scientific and engineering principles to bring innovative measurement solutions from concept to validation. The role requires a hands-on approach to maintaining lab equipment, managing laboratory operations, developing prototypes, and conducting data-driven analysis. The successful candidate will work in Syracuse, collaborating with a team of approximately 20 scientists with backgrounds in physics, chemistry, and other STEM fields, specializing in technologies such as Residual Gas Analyzers (RGAs), Gas Chromatography (GC), Plasma, Optical Emission Spectroscopy, and thin film deposition monitoring tools. The team focuses on technology-driven innovation, investigating emerging technologies, identifying critical technical assumptions, and validating them through iterative learning cycles involving experiments, literature research, simulation, and prototyping. Experimental work is conducted in a Thin Film Epicenter equipped with deposition tools and the Minifab, a research-type cleanroom.

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.
Strong background in Physics or Chemistry and hands-on laboratory experience.
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.

Nice To Haves

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).
Familiarity with high vacuum technology, sensor systems, or analytical instrumentation.
Experience with data collection and analysis tools (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar).
Familiarity with using AI platforms (such as Claude Code) to develop these tools.
Familiarity with 3D CAD design software (e.g., Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent) and/or engineering simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL, or similar).

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.
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.
Extend maintenance duties to 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.