The role

We are looking for an early-career Research Associate, Semiconductor Lithography to support the Advanced Technology Fabrication (ATF) facility at the Quantum Nanotechnology Research Centre. The Research Associate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

Working with clients and partners, the National Research Council Canada provides strategic research, innovation support, scientific, and technical services to develop and deploy solutions to meet Canada’s current and future industrial and societal needs. The ATF offers our clients and partners access to cutting-edge semiconductor research and fabrication capabilities providing simulation, design, fabrication, testing, characterization, and prototyping. Bringing cutting edge research to the benefit of Canadian society and industries.

The key activities of the Research Associate Semiconductor Lithography are:

• Perform the role of lithography prime for both Optical and Ebeam lithography tools and processes; including operation and verification of the tools, assisting in maintenance and training of users;
• Perform the creation and verification of pattern data files and tool-specific operation files for use on “direct write” systems;
• Develop and optimize new lithography processes (coating, exposure, development, inspection and metrology);
• Collaborate to establish and validate “Lithography process blocks” which may include subsequent processing steps (deposition and/or etch);
• Provide expert advice and guidance to researchers looking to incorporate lithography into their device layout designs.

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

As part of the RA Program you must have received your PhD or Masters in Physical, Chemical or Materials Sciences or other engineering disciplines within the last five years or you expect to receive the degree within the next six months.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Significant recent** hands-on experience in a semiconductor fabrication environment;
• Significant recent ** hands-on experience in semiconductor lithography tools, process development and optimization;
• Significant recent** hands-on experience in the operation and programing of e-beam lithography tools;
• Hands on experience with Raith EBL system would be considered an asset; and
• Hands on experience with Heidelberg MLA150 would be considered and asset.

**Significant recent experience is defined as of least two (2) years experience gained within the last 5 years.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Solid knowledge of lithography principles, processes (coating, exposure, development), and characterization techniques;
• Solid knowledge of qualifying and maintaining lithography tools such as resist coaters, developers and exposure systems (ebeam/optical direct write);
• Demonstrated ability to integrate lithography patterning steps into complex process blocks in the fabrication of semiconductor-based devices; and
• Solid knowledge of safe working practices in a semiconductor device fabrication environment; including working with chemicals, compressed gases, liquid nitrogen, and electrical, mechanical and vacuum systems.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Research

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff through the Research Associate (RA) Program at the AsRO level, which is an early-career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $116,641.

NOTE: Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. As a guide, the current annual PhD recruiting rate is $83,985.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

Notes

Application Requirements:

To be considered for the Research Associate program please note that you will need to attach the required documents as per the list below when submitting your application. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded.

• Resume
• Transcript

When submitting your application you can include the required documents in any attachment field such as «Second language evaluation results» or «Other attachments».

• In 2025, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region’s Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.