Conducting research for a changing society: This is what drives us at Forschungszentrum Jülich. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, we aim to tackle the grand societal challenges of our time and conduct research into the possibilities of a digitized society, a climate-friendly energy system, and a resource-efficient economy. Work together with around 7,400 employees in one of Europe’s biggest research centers and help us to shape change!
The challenges imposed by climate change demand the realization of extremely energy-efficient hardware for future information technology systems. For integrated semiconductor circuits, device scaling has been the key for performance enhancement and energy reduction. However, traditional scaling is reaching its limits. Therefore, the Collaborative Research Center / Transregio called “Future Electronics by Active Devices in Three Dimensions (TRR 404)” (www.cfaed.tu-dresden.de/trr-home) aims at new, active devices which make use of the volume on top of the transistors’ layer in the back-end-of-line region. TRR 404 follows a Technology-Design-System co-approach to improve key indicators such as power, speed, and area usage at the same time. Exploring a completely new approach for microelectronics technology, this project teams up materialists, electrical engineers, and computer scientists of Forschungszentrum Jülich, TU Dresden University, RWTH Aachen University, AMO GmbH Aachen, MPI Microstructure Physics Halle, NaMLab gGmbH Dresden, and Ruhr-University Bochum.
We are offering a
PhD Position - Area-Dependent Memristive Devices for In-Memory Computing
Optimization of growth processes (pulsed laser deposition, sputtering) for memristive oxide heterostructures
Characterization of thin films and heterostructures by X-ray diffraction and by in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy at the Electronic Oxide Cluster
Fabrication of nanoscale devices in the clean room facilities
Electrical characterization of memristive devices with respect to resistance levels, variability, endurance, and retention
Development of physical device models jointly with project C02
Close interaction about devices parameters and performance with NaMLab scientists
Co-integration of devices and cross-bar arrays on CMOS chips and joint testing and demonstration vector-matrix-multiplication with NaMLab scientists
Publication of the results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentation at project meetings and conferences
Excellent master’s degree in Physics, Material Science, or Electrical Engineering with focus on semiconductor technology or nanotechnology
Willingness and ability to think beyond the boundaries of your field, to act team-oriented in an international and diverse environment, and to live an open and constructive communication
Strong analytic and problem-solving skills, creativity, and an independent, target- and solution-driven work attitude
Profound knowledge of solid state physics and semiconductor physics
Experience and strong interest in experimental and laboratory (clean room) work
Experience in programming in Python or MATLAB
Fluent speaking and writing skills in English
Please feel free to apply for the position even if you do not have all the required skills and knowledge. We may be able to teach you missing skills during your induction. To apply, please submit a complete CV, letter of motivation, and university degree records (both bachelor’s and master’s degree). We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:
A varied and challenging research task, including state-of-the-art analysis techniques and innovative electronic device concepts, embedded in a friendly, inclusive, and supportive team of the TRR’s principal investigators (i.e. project leaders and supervisors)
An open and cooperative work attitude with maximum personal responsibility, mutual support with a solution-oriented approach, and flexible working hours where possible
Integration in the TRR’s Graduate School; it will offer tailored educational programs and individual supervision agreements
Access to a strong research consortium of the TRR 404 in Dresden, Aachen, Halle, and Bochum and, in addition, to the FZJ research network
Further development of your personal strengths, e.g., through an extensive range of training courses at Forschungszentrum Jülich (https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs) complementary to the TRR’s Graduate School
Optimal conditions for balancing work and private life as well as a family-conscious company policy
30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g., between Christmas and New Year)
The opportunity to work flexibly (in terms of location), e.g., partly remote work
Targeted services for international employees, e.g., through our International Advisory Service
In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits.
The position is for a fixed term of three years. Pay will be in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60% of a monthly salary as special payment (“Christmas bonus”). The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 66 of the PDF download: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed. Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich, including our other locations, is available at https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs.
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g., in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic, and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities, in which everyone can realize their potential, is important to us.