PhD on PFAS-free enduring hydrophobic coatings for lithographic equipment

This project is to be carried out at TU/e - Eindhoven University of Technology in collaboration with ASML and M2i-Materials Innovation Institute.

From their development in '70s the number of transistors on microprocessors doubles every
2 years - Moore's Law. Today, Moore's Law drives megatrends that shape our connected world: development of AI, smart devices, intelligent materials, etc. This is enabled by the development of new lithographic techniques that are pushing further microchips down-sizing, making semiconductors cheaper and electronic devices more powerful. The printing resolutions with the newest EUV technologies are as small as 8 nm, which is comparable to the atomic levels. To enable the rigorous functioning of the lithographic equipment's, hydrophobic coatings are applied in some parts of the machines, for example to protect surfaces from contact with water, oils or contaminants. These coatings are, however, exposed to very harsh environments inside the machines, and they must handle it for long and continous operation times.

The semiconductor industry largely relies on fluorine-based materials- Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl compounds, so-called PFAS, which are raising serious environmental and health concerns. Namely, they are omnipresent in lithographic equipment's due to their unique combination of properties - mechanically robust and very good water resistance. Many of the current hydrophobic coatings contain some sort of fluorinated compounds, and soon their use will be restricted due to upcoming PFAS-legislation. This project aims to explore strategies for durable PFAS-free hydrophobic coatings for use in conditions of ASML lithographic equipment.

The research will be conducted in close collaboration between a TU/e research group: Coatings, Surfaces and Interfaces (CSI)/ Physical Chemistry (SPC) which is part of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at TU/e (The Netherlands), ASML and M2i-Materials Innovation Institute who will coordinate the project.

The TU/e offers academic education that is driven by fundamental and applied research. We combine scientific curiosity with a hands-on mentality. Our educational philosophy is based on personal attention and room for individual ambitions and talents. Our research meets the highest international standards of quality. We push the limits of science, which puts us at the forefront of rapidly emerging areas of research.

Requirements:

• A master's degree (or an equivalent University degree) in Materials Science, Chemistry or related subjects.
• You are a talented, motivated and enthusiastic researcher.

• Preferably, with a strong background and interest in both materials' chemistry and physics, with experience in polymers and materials properties. Know-how in coatings, materials characterization, and surface properties and characterization, are highly valued.
• You should have a scientific attitude combined with a hands-on mentality and interest in application-oriented research.
• Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are valued characteristics.
• You are a naturally curious person, eager to learn more and with a strong interest in science and research.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• You have excellent communication (oral and writing) skills in English (C1 level) (prerequisite).
• You are a collaborative person, have a good team spirit, and like to work in an internationally oriented, social environment.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.

Salary Benefits:

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,901 max. €3,707).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

38 hours per week

De Rondom 70