Senior Applications Scientist (AFM) – Semiconductor Metrology

£46,855 – £65,343 + EMI Share Options + Private Healthcare 

Abingdon, Oxfordshire | Atomic Force Microscopy | Nanometrology | Semiconductor Technology

Help Shape the Future of Semiconductor Manufacturing

How do you measure features that are too small to see with conventional techniques?

At Infinitesima, we're developing breakthrough 3D nanometrology technology that enables semiconductor manufacturers to measure and understand structures at atomic-scale resolution. Backed by leading global investors, including Applied Ventures, we're a team of over 100 scientists, engineers and innovators tackling one of the most complex challenges in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

We're now looking for an experienced Applications Scientist with strong Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) expertise to join our growing Research team.

This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge instrumentation, nanotechnology and semiconductor innovation, helping transform research concepts into commercially valuable solutions.

What's in it for you?

• Salary of £46,855 – £65,343 depending on experience
• EMI share option scheme
• Private healthcare
• Death in service benefit
• Join a fast-growing, venture-backed technology company
• Work with world-leading experts in nanoscale metrology and semiconductor technology

The Opportunity

This isn't a traditional laboratory research role.

You'll act as the bridge between advanced instrumentation, customer applications and product development, using your AFM expertise to understand real-world measurement challenges and drive the evolution of next-generation technologies.

Working within our Research team, you'll be responsible for evaluating new capabilities, characterising complex nanostructures, analysing performance data, and providing critical insight that shapes future product direction.

You'll enjoy a high degree of autonomy, technical variety and the opportunity to influence both technology development and commercial applications.

What You'll Be Doing

• Characterising nanoscale semiconductor structures using advanced metrology techniques
• Applying AFM expertise to assess current and next-generation system capabilities
• Testing, validating and benchmarking prototype technologies
• Analysing imaging and performance data to generate meaningful insights
• Developing experimental workflows and measurement methodologies
• Investigating system behaviour and identifying performance improvements
• Working closely with Research, Engineering, Manufacturing and Service teams
• Contributing to product development decisions through evidence-based recommendations
• Supporting the transition of innovative concepts into practical semiconductor applications

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience

• Considerable hands-on experience with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
• Experience using advanced scientific or engineering instrumentation
• Nanometrology, nanoscale characterisation or surface analysis expertise
• Instrument testing, evaluation and validation
• Experimental data analysis and interpretation
• Python, MATLAB or similar tools for data analysis
• Proven ability to solve complex technical problems through experimentation and analysis

Desirable Experience

• Semiconductor process or characterisation experience
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
• Focused Ion Beam (FIB)
• Profilometry or related metrology techniques
• Experience working with prototype or pre-commercial instrumentation
• Algorithm development or advanced data processing

Education

• BSc, BEng, MSc or equivalent experience in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science or a related scientific discipline

Why Join Infinitesima?

You'll join a company where your work directly influences the future of advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

Rather than supporting established products, you'll help define what comes next—working with breakthrough technology, solving genuinely challenging measurement problems, and collaborating with some of the brightest minds in nanometrology.

If you're passionate about Atomic Force Microscopy, nanoscale characterisation and pushing the limits of what's measurable, we'd love to hear from you.

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.