Job description
The interaction of hydrogen plasma with surfaces and thin films is rich in technological applications ranging from materials processing to extreme ultraviolet lithography and plasma catalysis. Despite its technological importance, mechanistic insight into the underlying processes of hydrogen uptake and diffusion in materials is largely lacking, partly due to limited sensitivity of many methods towards hydrogen. In this project, you will develop understanding of hydrogen uptake and transport under realistic test conditions using advanced in-situ monitoring methods. This project will involve collaboration with the Technical University Delft to study hydrogen uptake in materials with in-situ neutron reflectometry.
Your goal is to improve the understanding how plasma, radicals and ions interact with thin-film coatings, with the ultimate aim to predict and improve the lifetime of such coatings. You will design and prepare thin film model systems for measuring hydrogen uptake in materials in the context of EUV lithography, using facilities in the XUV Optics group. You will measure the uptake of hydrogen in these thin films using a newly developed measurement cell for in-situ neutron reflectometry during exposure to hydrogen radicals and/or plasma. The neutron reflectometry measurements will take place at TU Delft. Processing and analysing (fitting) the data will be a major task of the project. The obtained results will be compared with other techniques for measuring hydrogen uptake and diffusion of hydrogen in thin films.
This project is part of a larger research project on the physics of plasma-surface interactions, currently running in the XUV Optics Group at Twente (www.utwente.nl/xuv). We develop forefront fundamental research, relevant to high tech applications in collaboration with our industrial partners (Zeiss, ASML, Malvern Panalytical and VDL). The research will take place in a state-of-the-art thin film laboratory within the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology at the University of Twente, which will allow you ample opportunities to collaborate and interact with various academic and industrial partners.
Your profile
- You have a PhD degree in physics, physical chemistry or materials science, or expect to obtain your PhD degree soon.
- You have affinity with interaction of plasma or ion beams with surfaces, physical vapour deposition (PVD) of thin films, physics and chemistry of solid surfaces and/or surface or thin film analysis.
- Experience with neutron or X-ray reflectometry or other advanced material characterisation techniques is a big advantage.
- You are an excellent team player in an enthusiastic group of scientists and engineers working on a common theme.
- You are creative, like to push boundaries, and are highly motivated to address a major science challenge in thin film physics.
- You are fluent in English and able to collaborate intensively with industrial and academic parties in regular meetings and work visits.
Our offer
- You will be appointed for a period of 1 year full-time within a very stimulating scientific environment. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues.
- Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);
- Gross salary between € 4.241,- and € 5.538,- per month depending on experience and qualifications;
- Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a year-end bonus of 8.3% and a solid pension scheme;
- Free access to sports facilities on campus
- A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
- Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development.
- We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other university staff. We are also a family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid) and career support for partners.
Information and application
Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 13th of July and include:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position.
- A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL), if available.
- Contact details for two references
For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Roland Bliem ([email protected])
About the department
The University of Twente stands for life sciences and technology: high tech and human touch. Its education and research focus on technology that drives innovation and societal progress. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands and offers an open, collaborative and entrepreneurial research environment.
The XUV Optics Group is embedded in the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, one of the largest nanotechnology research institutes in the world. The group performs fundamental and applied research on thin films, surfaces, interfaces and optical materials, with strong relevance to high-tech applications and close collaboration with industrial partners. The MESA+ NanoLab provides extensive cleanroom infrastructure and state-of-the-art tools for materials fabrication, surface analysis and nanoscale characterization.
The University of Twente is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and particularly welcome applications from groups that are underrepresented in science and engineering.
About the organisation
The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
