R&D Application Scientist in Portland, Oregon - #72598 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 72598

R&D Application Scientist
Our client is seeking an innovative and highly analytical R&D Application Scientist to support the advancement of next-generation semiconductor metrology technologies. This role is ideal for a scientist who excels at transforming complex X-ray scattering data into actionable insights, developing robust analytical methodologies, and creating scalable best practices that improve measurement accuracy and repeatability. The successful candidate will collaborate across research, software, and engineering teams to solve challenging technical problems and help drive the evolution of cutting-edge characterization solutions.

This role is fully remote. Applicants located on the West Coast are highly preferred.

R&D Application Scientist Responsibilities

• Lead advanced analysis efforts for X-ray scattering applications, with a strong focus on developing and refining model-based fitting methodologies.
• Analyze complex TSAXS and GISAXS datasets to extract meaningful physical parameters and generate actionable technical insights.
• Develop, document, and standardize repeatable analysis workflows, best-known methods, and data interpretation strategies.
• Collaborate with software development teams to translate scientific requirements into scalable analysis tools and automated solutions.
• Partner with application and engineering teams to identify customer challenges and develop data-driven approaches to address evolving technical needs.
• Interpret experimental results, validate analytical models, and recommend improvements to measurement and characterization methodologies.
• Serve as a technical resource across multidisciplinary teams by effectively communicating findings and guiding analytical decision-making.
• Support knowledge sharing through technical documentation, presentations, and training activities for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Contribute to the development and evaluation of emerging metrology techniques through experimentation, analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work effectively within a fast-paced research environment requiring adaptability, scientific rigor, and creative problem-solving.

R&D Application Scientist Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on experience with TSAXS, GISAXS, small-angle X-ray scattering, or closely related scattering-based characterization techniques.
• Demonstrated expertise in model-based fitting, parameter extraction, and quantitative analysis of complex scattering datasets.
• Proven ability to develop standardized analytical workflows, best practices, and repeatable methodologies that improve consistency and efficiency.
• Strong understanding of X-ray scattering, diffraction, thin-film characterization, metrology, or other physics-based measurement techniques.
• Experience solving inverse problems and applying model-driven approaches to interpret experimental data.
• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to independently evaluate results, identify trends, and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including research, software development, engineering, and customer-facing organizations.
• Familiarity with scientific programming, data analysis tools, and software-enabled analytical workflows.
• Semiconductor industry experience is preferred but not required; candidates with strong scattering analysis expertise from other scientific disciplines are encouraged to apply.
• Experience with thin-film characterization, advanced materials analysis, or metrology development is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Professional proficiency in both English and Japanese is highly valued due to the global nature of cross-functional collaboration.

Salary: (DOE)

Benefits
Benefits are available to eligible full-time employees and include coverage for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long term disability, and matching 401k.

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