A Chinese institute involved in developing lithography systems for semiconductor production has upped the ante in recruiting top researchers, as the country aims to push forward advanced chipmaking in spite of US tech sanctions.
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The latest recruitment drive of the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics – under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) – is offering “uncapped” pay for PhD researchers in optics, mechanics, electronics, and physical and chemical materials for the position of “special research assistant”, according to the organisation’s post on WeChat.
The notice said salaries for that position could be negotiated “on a case-by-case basis without upper limit”.
The Changchun institute also said the CAS is offering a research grant worth up to 4 million yuan (US$550,000) to “excellent employees” on top of 1 million yuan in personal subsidies.
The generous terms reflect how China is sparing no effort to entice young talent, as part of efforts to boost the nation’s capabilities in chipmaking technology amid US trade sanctions.
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It also shows the country’s aim to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers like ASML Holding, the world’s top vendor of advanced chipmaking equipment. The Dutch firm has been unable to sell its extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems to its China-based clients to comply with US export control rules.
