Available for full-time roles · Germany
Harikrishnan Venugopal
Ph.D. Candidate in Nanotechnology & Materials Science · Paderborn University
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Ph.D. Candidate in Nanotechnology & Materials Science · Paderborn University
Get in Touch LinkedIn ↗I am a materials scientist and physicist finishing my Ph.D. at Paderborn University's NNP group, specializing in Block Copolymer (BCP) Lithography — one of the most promising next-generation patterning techniques for semiconductor and nanoelectronic device fabrication.
My work sits at the intersection of fundamental surface physics and scalable process engineering. I design and execute end-to-end nanofabrication workflows achieving sub-10 nm feature sizes (~8 nm) — from BCP lithography through thin-film deposition and multi-technique surface characterization, all inside ISO-class cleanroom environments.
With backgrounds in both India and Germany, I bring a combination of deep technical expertise, cross-cultural adaptability, and a genuine passion for translating cutting-edge research into industrial impact.
PhD Candidate · Paderborn University
Advanced nanopatterning techniques enabling sub-10 nm feature sizes (down to ~8 nm) over wafer-scale surfaces — directly competitive with EUV lithography at a fraction of the cost.
BCP lithography exploits the spontaneous self-assembly of polymer chain blocks into highly regular, periodic nanostructures (lines, dots, holes) with feature sizes below 10 nm — far beyond the resolution limits of conventional UV photolithography. Applied over large areas, it creates templates for device fabrication without the enormous capital cost of EUV equipment.
High-resolution imaging of nanopattern morphology, defect analysis, and cross-section characterization of thin-film stacks.
Nanoscale surface topography, roughness measurement, and mechanical property mapping of patterned substrates.
Selective etching of polymer templates and physical vapour deposition of metals and oxides for pattern transfer into hard mask or substrate.
Non-destructive, precise thickness measurement of polymer brush layers, BCPs, and thin oxide films across large areas.
Infrared analysis of molecular bonding, surface chemistry, and thin-film composition — essential for polymer brush characterisation and BCP surface functionalisation.
Non-destructive characterisation of material composition, crystal structure, and defect analysis of nanostructured surfaces and thin films.
Drop shape analysis (DSA) and fibre tensiometry for quantitative surface energy measurements — critical for substrate preparation prior to BCP self-assembly.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for elemental composition and chemical-state analysis of polymer films, functionalized surfaces, and thin-film interfaces.
Transfer of graphene to planar and patterned substrates; BCP lithography for sub-10 nm nanopatterning on graphene — enabling next-generation 2D material device fabrication.
My nanofabrication expertise directly enables technological challenges in these German industry sectors.
BCP lithography for sub-10 nm patterning, next-gen memory and logic devices, MEMS sensor fabrication.
Nanostructured electrodes for batteries & supercapacitors, photonic structures for solar cells, fuel cell membranes.
Advanced sensor fabrication (MEMS, nanoelectrode arrays), EV battery electrode nanostructuring, high-performance coatings.
Nanoporous BCP membranes for filtration, drug delivery scaffolds, surface-functionalized biosensors.
IR sensors, photonic components, high-performance coatings, and MEMS-based inertial sensors for precision applications.
Deep R&D, advanced nanofabrication facility support, interdisciplinary research programs in physics and materials science.
I am actively looking for R&D, process engineering, or materials scientist positions in Germany, expected to start mid-to-late 2026.