Applied research
During his studies, Boss discovered that he found more satisfaction in applied research than in pure chemical synthesis. “With synthesis, it sometimes felt like you were at the mercy of factors beyond your control. Materials science appealed to me more because of its tangible applications and the direct link to industry,” he explains. His interest was further sparked by the course Condensed Matter Lab, where he gained hands-on experience with materials and their properties.
This led him to the Material Science course, taught by Dr. John Schermer. During one of the lectures, Schermer mentioned there was still an internship position available within his Applied Materials Science research group at the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM) within Radboud University’s Faculty of Science. “That immediately sounded interesting, so I reached out,” says Boss. This internship gave him the chance to work on innovative LED technologies, a project in which he learned how LED lights can be used for cooling purposes. “It was a completely new concept to me, and there was a lot of independent exploration involved. That made it all the more fascinating.”
The step to NXP
His next step was an internship at NXP, an opportunity that arose through conversations with his supervisors and fellow students. “John knew I was interested in an industrial internship and suggested I contact NXP. Through another student already interning there, I gained more insight into the possibilities,” he explains. Eventually, he was invited for meetings with various group leaders in NXP’s physical analysis lab. “I was given a tour and could choose the project that suited me best. I really appreciated that freedom.”
At NXP, Boss worked with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), a technique for analyzing the crystalline structure of materials. “The tool was already there, but it hadn’t been widely used for new applications yet. My task was to develop reliable sample preparation methods without causing unnecessary damage to the material. EBSD is extremely sensitive to even the smallest defects, which can not only affect measurement data but also the performance of chips.”
An internship with impact
What Boss particularly valued during his time at NXP was the diversity of collaboration. “You work with technicians who’ve been in the field for forty years, but also with PhD students who oversee the bigger picture. That combination was very educational,” he says. He also realized how important it is to take initiative. “Everyone at NXP is busy with their own projects. As an intern, you have to proactively reach out to the right people and ask questions. That taught me to be proactive and communicate effectively.”
His experience in chip technology opened his eyes to the complexity of the sector. “Before I worked here, when I thought of chips, I mainly thought about the chemistry behind how they’re made. But there’s so much more to it. From packaging and protection against external factors like moisture, to electrical testing and reliability – it’s a highly multidisciplinary field.”
From internship to full-time job
After his internship, Boss was offered a job at NXP. Since November, he has been working as a project manager on radar products for the automotive sector, focusing on back-end processes. He coordinates the packaging of semiconductors, ensuring that chips are protected and connected to their environment, such as circuit boards or devices. This requires careful coordination regarding reliability and electrical connections. “What I like about NXP is that you’re encouraged to contribute ideas and innovate. Different disciplines come together here: chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. That makes the work very dynamic.”
Health & High Tech in Nijmegen
Boss’s career move fits within the broader ambitions of the Nijmegen region in the field of Health & High Tech. Project Beethoven, an initiative focused on talent development in the semiconductor industry, aligns with this. NXP actively collaborates with universities and research institutes to attract talent and stimulate innovation. “It’s important that we invest in the future of chip technology, because it forms the foundation for innovation and economic growth in an increasingly digital world,” says Boss.
Sustainability is another current theme in the sector. “NXP works together with universities and other companies to develop more environmentally friendly production processes,” Boss explains. A good example of this collaboration is the NWO Circular Circuits program, which focuses on reducing chip waste (e-waste) by using more efficient and sustainable materials and promoting material reuse. With companies like NXP, Nexperia and CITC located on the Noviotech campus and the Applied Materials Science group from Radboud University, Nijmegen is strongly represented in this program. The ambition is to further expand this ongoing collaboration as part of the ChipNL innovation program. The proposal for this program, prepared by 64 companies and (knowledge) organizations in the Dutch chip industry, was recently submitted to Minister Micky Adriaansens of Economic Affairs.
Advice for students
Boss encourages current students to actively seek out opportunities in chip technology. “Dive into the sector and try to figure out which aspects you find most interesting. Networking is crucial in that process. Don’t be afraid to contact a company directly with a well-thought-out idea or interest in an internship.” According to Boss, an open attitude and willingness to seize opportunities are essential. “As a student, it can feel like a big step to reach out to companies. But my advice is: just do it. Send that email, ask those questions, and explore what’s out there. The semiconductor industry needs talent, and there are so many opportunities.”
This article (short version) has been published in the Magazine Kijk op Arnhem-Nijmegen 2-2025 - Kijk op Arnhem-Nijmegen (p.42-43)
