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Senior AFM Applications Scientist – Semiconductor Metrology

Abingdon, UK

Senior AFM Applications Scientist – Semiconductor Metrology

£65,000 – £75,000 + EMI Share Options + Private Healthcare + Pension

We're looking for a Senior AFM  (Atomic Force Microscopy) Applications Scientist to help shape the future of nanoscale measurement technology. Acting as the link between customers, engineering and product development, you'll influence how advanced semiconductor metrology solutions are deployed, optimised and evolved within some of the world's most sophisticated manufacturing environments.

This is a highly visible, customer-facing role where you'll combine scientific expertise, technical leadership and product influence. You'll work directly with leading semiconductor organisations, helping solve complex measurement challenges whilst driving the development of next-generation AFM technology.

If you're passionate about AFM, semiconductor innovation and helping customers push technical boundaries, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

  • Leading customer demonstrations, evaluations and advanced characterisation programmes
  • Acting as the technical authority for AFM applications and nanoscale measurement challenges
  • Supporting customers globally with complex metrology, process control and characterisation requirements
  • Presenting technical results and performance data to customers, engineering teams and senior stakeholders
  • Troubleshooting multidisciplinary challenges spanning optics, electronics, software, algorithms and precision engineering systems
  • Driving application-focused projects that improve measurement performance, productivity and customer outcomes
  • Acting as the voice of the customer, translating application challenges into product improvements
  • Partnering closely with Engineering and R&D teams to influence future product capabilities and roadmap decisions
  • Supporting the development of world-class applications laboratory capability
  • Travelling internationally (approximately 50%) to support customer sites, strategic projects and technology evaluations

We're particularly interested in people with experience in

  • Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
  • Semiconductor Metrology
  • Semiconductor Process Control
  • Semiconductor Process Characterisation
  • Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM)
  • Surface Analysis
  • Nanoscale Measurement
  • Defect Inspection
  • Process Development
  • Advanced Scientific Instrumentation

Essential experience

  • Minimum 5 years' hands-on Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) experience
  • Semiconductor industry experience with strong practical applications knowledge
  • Leading customer-facing technical projects, demonstrations or technology evaluations
  • Supporting advanced metrology platforms or scientific instrumentation systems
  • Characterising semiconductor devices, materials or complex structures
  • Diagnosing and resolving multidisciplinary technical challenges
  • Building credibility with customers, engineers and scientific stakeholders
  • Translating customer requirements into actionable development opportunities
  • Working effectively across engineering, scientific and commercial teams
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice to have

  • Semiconductor process development or integration experience
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
  • Optical systems, lasers or fibre-optic technologies
  • Electronics or precision electromechanical systems
  • Product marketing or technical positioning experience
  • Experience influencing product roadmaps through customer insight
  • Cleanroom and semiconductor fabrication environments

Qualifications

  • Master's degree, PhD or equivalent experience in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, Nanotechnology or a related scientific discipline

or

  • Significant commercial experience gained within AFM, semiconductor metrology or advanced scientific instrumentation environments

Why join Infinitesima?

Infinitesima develops advanced AFM-based metrology technology enabling the next generation of semiconductor devices.

As semiconductor architectures become increasingly complex, accurate nanoscale measurement is more critical than ever. Our technology helps leading semiconductor manufacturers solve some of the industry's toughest metrology challenges, supporting innovations across AI, advanced computing and future electronics.

You'll join a highly talented team of scientists and engineers, working at the forefront of AFM innovation. Your expertise will have a direct impact on customer success, product development and the future direction of a genuinely differentiated technology platform.

This is a rare opportunity to become a recognised technical authority in one of the semiconductor industry's most specialised and fast-evolving fields.

 

Our strength lies in the varied perspectives that come from different cultures, experiences, and identities. We believe that true innovation is fuelled by collaboration, locally and globally. We strive to foster an environment where everyone can contribute meaningfully and thrive. If you require adjustments to take part in the recruitment process, please let us know, we’ll do our best to support you.

Note to recruitment agencies: Infinitesima Ltd only works with approved agencies and does not accept unsolicited agency CVs. Please do not submit candidate details in response to this advert, or to any Infinitesima Ltd employees. Infinitesima Ltd is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.

A note on how we run interviews:
We use AI only to transcribe our interviews so we can focus fully on you instead of scribbling notes. The AI does not take part in any decision making at any stage. All hiring decisions are made by real humans based on the conversation we have with you.

Location and work pattern:

All of our new UK team members are asked to work on site here at Abingdon during their first three months with us. We offer flexible, hybrid working where possible upon completion of probation.

 

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Description: We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and aim to create a fair, supportive recruitment process.
To keep things clear, this role needs someone who already has the permanent right to work in the UK.
If a role calls for unique expertise that’s hard to find locally, we may explore sponsorship options — though this is uncommon.