Experimentalist (EBL2 operator) | Delft

For well over two decades, we have been supporting the world-leading manufacturers of semiconductor equipment around the world with our knowledge of material and optics’ lifetime, aiming at understanding the effects of extreme environments on materials and their subsequent interactions with the further system at the nanoscale.

Experimental work is performed in our Van Leeuwenhoek Laboratory, which houses a wide range of state of the art facilities: in-house built ultraclean vacuum equipment, EUV exposure facilities – such as the EUV Beamline facility (EBL2), XPS surface analysis systems, plasma exposure setups, equipment for nanoparticle detection and much more. One of our main goals is to support our partners worldwide and enable the continuing development of EUV lithography for high-volume manufacturing.

The setup EBL2 is the defining setup of TNO with respect to EUV material-interaction research. Designed, built and funded by TNO it gives unique-in-the-world opportunities for EUV lithography research. The EBL2 is our department’s largest facility (and one of the largest in TNO) and plays a dominant role in up to 40% of the projects we run in the department.

Why this vacancy?
We are in an exciting time where we are going to move the setup EBL2 into a new position within the semiconductor lifetime innovation domain. We are expanding on the range of capabilities of the machine and its metrology capabilities. Together with a strengthened network with academic parties in The Netherlands, new and boundary-pushing questions will come to the setup and this team. The experiments and adjustments we have on our roadmap for this setup are going to be new, exceptional and engrossing.
Come join us at the frontier of knowledge and technology!

What is the work?

• Prepare, execute and report on the practical aspects of experiments being run on the setup EBL2.
• Take ownership of and execute on maintenance items (preventive, reactive) of the setup EBL2 as part of the EBL2 team.
• Take ownership of and execute on technical improvement activities related to the setup EBL2 as part of the EBL2 team.
• This position offers the opportunity to grow into a more strongly focused experimental science role.

We will train our new colleague on the particulars of the setup EBL2. Since this training can take up to 6 months, we expect you to commit to at least 2 years at the setup EBL2 full time. Within that timeframe we will tune the focus of the work at the EBL2 setup to your personal ambitions and the business needs.

See more of the TNO Unit High Tech Industry and the Semicon Equipment Lifetime Group on the TNO website.

Who is our ideal candidate?
To be succesful in this role, you:

• Have a higher vocational training, e.g. a Bachelor’s degree (Dutch: HBO) and at least 3 years of further background in experimental research in a R&D or academic setting, specifically in any or all of the following areas: vacuum, high-energy aspects, nanotechnology, optics, material characterization.
• Are communicative, check in regularly with colleagues, able to work as part of a team/project.
• Are organized and quality oriented, and able to work independently in this manner.
• Speak good English (additional Dutch is a nice to have).
• Enjoy having practical/technical work, this is not a desk job!
• Are able to deal effectively with problems, issues and a fast pace changing environment.

Further skills we are hoping to add to the team are; some experience with software scripting in python, customer intimacy. If you have any of these, we will consider it a plus.

The EBL2 team
We are an enthusiastic group of researchers, focused on working with the setup EBL2. Currently the team consists of 5 operators (1 full-time, the others all ~50% part-time), 1 scientist, 1 setup owner (~50% part-time) and 1 team lead (~30% part-time). This vacancy is an expansion of the team.

The EBL2 team is embedded within the Research Group Semicon Equipment Lifetime.

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. We offer a gross monthly salary between € 3489,00 and € 4757,00 (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180). In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself.

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation. You may also expect:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave on a full-time basis.
• An employer that values and encourages diverse talent, with initiatives like the Female Leadership Program, our Rainbow Community and round tables on inclusion topics.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Extensive relocation package for candidates from abroad.
• A good pension scheme.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Please apply before the 28th of September, 2025. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 7th of October, 2025. In a final meeting we will discuss the terms of employment and your tailored benefits package. We aim to finalize the entire process within four weeks.

The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check.

A certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.