Research Scientist - Electronic materials

Air Liquide•Newark, DE

9d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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. 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. 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.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science in thin film semiconductor manufacturing technology, electronic gas applications, or material science or a Master’s degree with 3+ years of industry relevant experience.
Strong expertise and hands-on experience with multiple analytical and film characterization techniques (e.g., GC, MS, ICPMS, FTIR, Ellipsometry, XRR, XPS, AES, SEM, etc).
Proven ability to work efficiently on multi-disciplinary, international teams and build internal/external networks.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a strong publication or presentation track record in technical conferences or journals.
Self-motivated individual with the ability to define and solve complex problems in collaboration with business units and external partners.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with plasma-based tools (CCP, ICP) and tool troubleshooting/maintenance is highly desired.
Hands-on experience with gas handling is also highly desired.
Practical, hands-on familiarity with ICPMS instrumentation and associated analytical protocols.
Demonstrated capacity to successfully oversee and execute multiple research initiatives concurrently.
Competence in synthesizing data and identifying potential technical bottlenecks that may impact R&D timelines.
Proactive mindset with the agility to navigate obstacles and adapt to shifting R&D requirements while managing risk.
Continuous commitment to learning and a self-driven motivation to expand organizational technical capabilities.

Responsibilities

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.
Lead projects involving plasma etching processes, the design of new etching gases, and process evaluation for semiconductor applications.
Develop and implement new gas analytical methods (e.g., GC with TCD/FID/MS, FTIR, ICPMS, and moisture analyzers) to characterize new electronic specialty gases, understand their stability/breakdown mechanisms, and support purification technologies.
Build fundamental knowledge of the relationship between etching gas structures and functional performance using both in-situ and ex-situ advanced analysis and film characterization techniques.
Define, design, and execute bench-scale to pilot-scale experiments to meet R&D deliverables in a timely manner.
Conduct literature and patent searches, recognize and document patentable findings, and actively promote the innovative development of intellectual property.
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.
Prepare high-quality presentation materials and reports for internal teams, global R&D networks, and external technical conferences or journals.
Maintain a self-driven, flexible mindset to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing R&D priorities.