Cleanroom Micro and Nanofabrication Process Engineer (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

Development of micro- and nanofabrication processes and the production of SIS detectors at LUX, at the Paris Observatory, in close collaboration with its partners, the University of Oxford (United Kingdom) and the University of Groningen/NOVA (Netherlands). The engineer will be particularly involved in the implementation of new designs for SIS frequency mixers operating between 700 and 900 GHz. The engineer will also be involved in the implementation of the 4 K measurement and characterisation bench for SIS junctions.

Activity

The successful candidate will join the LUX Instrumental Research and Development Group, one of the laboratories at the Paris Observatory, which is also a joint research unit of the CNRS. He/she will work in the LUX cleanroom located at the Paris Observatory. However, he/she will also need to use the micro- and nanofabrication facilities of external cleanrooms, in particular those of the Paris Micro and Nanotechnology Platforms Group (GPNP, https://gpnp.obspm.fr), of which the Paris Observatory is a member. He/she will also work in close collaboration with the University of Oxford (United Kingdom) and the University of Groningen/NOVA (Netherlands).

Your Profil

Skills

The candidate must have a solid background in:
- cleanroom nano- and microtechnology: thin-film deposition techniques using sputtering and evaporation
- optical and electronic lithography techniques
- Electron microscopy,
- dry etching (RIE: Reactive Ion Etching) and wet etching (KoH),
- characterisation of thin films: stress, resistivity, etc.

Ideally, the candidate should also have experience in the field of physical measurements and characterisation, preferably the characterisation of low-temperature detectors.

He/she will work as part of a team, but must also demonstrate autonomy, rigour and dynamism. The candidate must be able to summarise their work and present it effectively at internal meetings and to partners.

Your Work Environment

LUX addresses a wide range of topics in astrophysics, focusing on the study of extreme phenomena and processes on (extra)galactic scales. All methodologies of modern astrophysics are utilised: theory, simulations, observations, instrumentation and laboratory astrophysics. The unit is jointly supervised by the Paris Observatory, the CNRS and Sorbonne University. LUX is organised around three scientific teams and one instrumentation team. The instrumentation team carries out research and development work on instruments, as well as implementing instrumental projects in astronomy and astrophysics. It has a cleanroom dedicated to the fabrication of superconducting detectors such as SIS (Superconductor-Insulator-Superconductor) junctions and KIDs (Kinetic Inductance Detectors).

Since its inauguration in 2013, the ALMA giant interferometer has continued to revolutionise millimetre and submillimetre astronomy. Combining high spatial and spectral resolution with ultra-sensitive, low-noise observations, it has enabled the exploration of both long-awaited and unexpected phenomena in the far-infrared Universe (FIR). These include the study of planet formation and protoplanetary discs in the interstellar medium (ISM), galaxy mergers such as the Antennae system that trigger star formation, and stellar nurseries, where ALMA has revealed filamentary gas structures and fragmentation regions with unprecedented precision. ALMA has also proved essential for the study of the early Universe and bodies in the nearby solar system. ALMA has also enabled studies in prebiotic chemistry, notably the discovery of complex organic molecules in young stellar systems. In 2019, it also played a key role in the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration, contributing to the first-ever image of a black hole.

ALMA is embarking today on a new ambitious venture : the Wideband Sensitive Upgrade (WSU) of the heterodyne receivers, which use ultra-sensitive SIS (Superconductor-Insulator-Superconductor) detectors that form the heart of its telescopes.

As part of the WSU programme, LUX's 'Instrumental Research and Development' group has secured a research contract with ESO to contribute to the development of the next generation of SIS detectors for Band 9, in collaboration with two partners: the University of Oxford (United Kingdom) and the University of Groningen/NOVA (Netherlands).

The successful candidate will report to the Head of LUX's Instrumental Research and Development Group.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between €2,572 € and €2,742 gross per month, depending on experience.

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions