ALD Process Engineer – Materials Development
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term
Tyndall National Institute is Ireland’s largest Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) and a flagship Institute of University College Cork. Specialising in both electronics and photonics, Tyndall works with global industry and academia to transform research into products in its core market areas of electronics, communications, energy, health, agri-tech and the environment. With a network of over 200 industry partners and customers worldwide, Tyndall is focused on delivering human and economic impact from excellence in research. Tyndall is home to a research community of 650 people of over 50 nationalities.
Background to the Role
Within Tyndall’s Micro Nano Systems Centre, we have created a strategic research programme focusing on materials, emerging devices and architectures for future information processing, interfacing with CMOS and beyond (“CMOS++ Materials & Devices”).
CMOS++ is involved in the Chips JU NanoIC pilot line co-funded by the European Commission and national agencies as part of the targeted initiatives of the EU Chips Act. The implementation of the Chips JU pilot lines is expected to bridge the gap from lab to fab and will be available to a wide range of users, including academia, industry and research institutions.
The NanoIC pilot line is the result of a remarkable European cross-border collaboration. Hosted by imec (Belgium), its partners include CEA-Leti (France), Fraunhofer (Germany), VTT (Finland), CSSNT (Romania) and Tyndall National Institute (Ireland).
NanoIC targets semiconductor technologies that will shape tomorrow’s high-tech solutions. One of the main goals is to develop the process steps and modules that enable these technologies. This will result in stable ‘platform’ baseline flows with a high technology readiness level (TRL 4-6).
These technologies are situated in three research pillars:
1. Advanced logic technologies
2. Advanced memory technologies
3. Advanced interconnect technologies
In NanoIC, Tyndall’s flexibility into materials integration will allow for rapid, short-cycle screening to reduce the cycle time in identifying and integrating highly performing materials to carry forward into IC development. Our role is to provide agile wafer scale nanofabrication and processing beyond silicon for the integration of selected new materials – Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) and oxide semiconductor (OSC) – and FET device architectures. The goal is to develop a material platform for embedded DRAM and above IC functionality, thereby providing a key technology block to enable leading-edge ICs.
Purpose of the Role
This ALD Process Engineer position is vital to the success of Tyndall’s NanoIC program, providing hands-on support and operational expertise in the daily running of existing and newly procured ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) equipment. By maintaining stable tool operation, developing robust process monitoring protocols, and collaborating closely with senior researchers and postdoctoral scientists, the ALD Process Engineer ensures that Tyndall’s advanced materials research can be translated into reliable and repeatable fabrication processes. In particular, they will focus on the growth of TMD (Transition Metal Dichalcogenide) and OSC (Oxide Semiconductor) films for next-generation devices, as well as support more conventional applications such as high-k dielectrics.
Beyond operating and monitoring the ALD tools, the ALD Process Engineer will be responsible for documenting processes, troubleshooting issues, and optimizing recipes through data-driven experimentation. By proactively engaging in risk assessments and quality management procedures, they will help maintain the highest standards of health, safety, and operational excellence. This role also includes mentoring and training junior team members on tool operation, ensuring that knowledge and best practices are effectively shared across the organization.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
* Work with the supervisor and other team members to deliver the outputs of the project
* Oversee the day-to-day running of ALD tools in Tyndall’s flexifab and materials labs, including performing routine checks and calibrations
* Support run-up (installation, qualification, and acceptance) of new ALD/ALE tools relevant to the NanoIC program
* Troubleshoot tool and process issues, coordinating with equipment vendors or service engineers as needed
* Develop and refine ALD recipes for TMD, OSC, and high-k dielectric materials in collaboration with senior researchers and postdoctoral scientists
* Design and execute DOEs (Design of Experiments) for process optimization and device performance improvement
* Implement in-line and end-of-line metrology techniques to monitor ALD process performance, collect data, and analyze results to recommend process modifications
* Prepare and maintain comprehensive documentation of operating procedures, process recipes, and experimental results
* Participate in regular internal meetings to report on progress, highlight issues, and propose solutions
* Stay current with literature and emerging techniques in ALD, TMD, and OSC materials, applying new insights where applicable
* Train and support junior engineers, interns, and other researchers on ALD tool operation, safety procedures, and best practices
* Foster a culture of knowledge transfer and continuous improvement within the team
* Contribute to risk assessments and ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management System (QMS)
* Ensure all activities are compliant with the required Health and Safety standards
* Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post
Essential Criteria
* MSc degree in physics, material science, chemistry or related discipline
* At least 3 years of hands-on experience operating and developing processes on Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) systems, preferably in a cleanroom or semiconductor R&D environment
* Practical experience with vacuum systems and thin film deposition equipment, including basic troubleshooting and maintenance procedures
* Knowledge of relevant in-line and end-of-line metrology techniques (e.g. AFM, ellipsometry, XPS)
* Experience in building process fabrication flows from ideation/concept stage
* Experience with DOE setup for process optimization
* Familiarity with risk assessments and compliance with safety and quality protocols
Desirable Criteria
* Evidence of entrepreneurial experience and creative skills/creativity
* Self-motivated with pro-active approach and strong desire to learn new field
* Strong ability to analyze experimental data and make data-driven decisions
* Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and translate research ideas into practical solutions
* Proven track record of documenting recipes and experimental results clearly and accurately
* Ability to report results and present findings in internal meetings
* Strong understanding of cleanroom standards, chemical handling, hazardous material protocols and commitment to ensuring safety and quality protocols are followed
The duration of the contract is a for a fixed term of approximately 24 months with the possibility to extend by 18 months upon the availability of funding, satisfactory performance, mutual agreement and a detailed career development plan.
What we Offer
We offer progressive employment and training policies including opportunities for further studies. At Tyndall we value Ambition, Collaboration, Diversity, Excellence and Integrity. You will be supported throughout to grow your skillset and learn how to adapt in new challenges to develop your career.
As an equal opportunity employer we offer a comprehensive suite of flexible working and family friendly initiatives. A list of such initiatives is available on our webpage.
Tyndall has an Athena Swan Bronze award, reflecting our commitment to ensuring equity of opportunity for all researchers regardless of gender or ethnicity. We are actively improving our internal processes to build on the Athena Swan award and have a vibrant People and Culture team driving initiatives.
Tyndall has an active EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) group which delivers initiatives to enhance EDI within the Institute.
At Tyndall, your work will shape the future contributing to technology innovation for Ireland’s economy and the society at large. As a key national institute, Tyndall’s world-class research teams perform ground-breaking research with an ‘excellent impact from excellent research’ philosophy.
Tyndall National institute has a proactive entrepreneurial culture and we welcome applications from candidates who possess entrepreneurial and creative skills/experience, including the creation of technology start-ups.
Appointment may be made on the UCC Technical Office Salary Scale B €77,480 – € 66,286 p.a.. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.
Informal enquiries concerning this position can be made to Niamh Waldron
The closing date for applications is 1pm 6th June 2025
Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.
A full candidate information pack is available by clicking here.
Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.
Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.
At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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