We are looking for a motivated and skilled post-doctoral researcher to carry out advanced physics research on probing uptake and diffusion of hydrogen in thin films used for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) optics applications. Our aim is to develop understanding how uptake and diffusion of hydrogen can be monitored in-situ, under realistic test conditions and with good reproducibility.

Your project will be part of a larger research programme on the physics of thin films for EUV applications (XTOOLS), coordinated by 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 goal is to develop a custom thin film stack specifically designed for probing hydrogen uptake, and to develop a robust measurement procedure (including transport through air / ambient) to quantify hydrogen diffusion through change in optical properties of this stack. This includes:

• Selecting materials for optically probing hydrogen uptake, and protective layers for transport through air.
• Understanding the fundamental physics and chemistry of hydrogen uptake on, diffusion through and possible release from these films.
• Develop a concept for preparation of a layer stack for optically detecting hydrogen diffusion through EUV optical materials and verifying this method against established reference methods for hydrogen detection.

• You have a PhD degree in physics, physical chemistry or materials science, or expect to obtain your PhD degree before summer 2023.
• You have affinity with physical vapour deposition (PVD) of thin films, physics and chemistry of solid surfaces and/or metrology of optical properties of thin films (Spectrometry, ellipsometry) .
• 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.

• You will be appointed on a fulltime position for 2 years with possible extension.
• The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in a stimulating scientific environment.
• The post-doc salary is between € 3.557 and € 4.670 gross per month depending on experience and qualifications.
• The offer further involves: a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%, a solid pension scheme, a minimum of 29-day holidays, and numerous professional and personal development programs.

The University of Twente stands for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands. We have a strong focus on personal development and give scope for carrying out pioneering research. The Faculty of Science & Technology works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.

The XUV Optics group is embedded in the MESA+ Institute (www.mesaplus.utwente.nl), which is one of the largest nanotechnology research institutes in the world, delivering competitive and successful high-quality research. The institute employs 500 people of which 275 are PhD's or PostDocs. With its unique NanoLab facilities the institute holds 1250 m2 of cleanroom space and state-of-the-art research equipment.

The University of Twente is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity. We do not discriminate on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.