PhD position in the field of 2D materials: Physics-based, multi-scale device modelling for 2D-material-based devices

PhD position in the field of 2D materials: Physics-based, multi-scale device modelling for 2D-material-based devices

About Tyndall
Tyndall National Institute is an international leader in semiconductors, photonics and deep-tech research and innovation. As a leading collaborative European research institute, Tyndall is a key actor and hosting partner in the delivery of the ‘Chips for Europe Initiative’ (EU Chips Act).

Tyndall is Ireland’s leading research and innovation organisation and it is the national focal point for excellence in deep-tech research, development and graduate training at the convergence of nanotechnology, microelectronics, photonics, electronics and AI. Tyndall is recognised as an international research leader in semiconductor, chip and digital technologies, particularly as applied to the fields of Information & Communications, Health & Life Sciences, Agritech & Food Security, Energy and Climate Mitigation, emerging fields such as quantum, and novel computing paradigms.

The Institute’s key objective is to see frontier research activities having a significant impact on economic development and societal challenges in Ireland, Europe and beyond. Central to Tyndall’s mission is delivering economic impact through research excellence in partnership with industry and academia. With an annual turnover of more than €50m, the Institute has a community of over 600 researchers, engineers, support staff, postgraduate students, interns and industry researchers-in-residence.

With significant committed Irish government support, Tyndall will grow to be 1,000 people by 2030, with approximately 750 researchers, including 250 PhD students. A new 17,000 m2 research building is under development adjacent to the Cork headquarters and there are developing plans to expand Tyndall’s existing Dublin research labs and to establish other research sites within Ireland.

Tyndall’s expansion is also supported by recent national and EU funding wins for significant (M€10’s) additional research equipment across a range of areas such as semiconductor processing, microscopy, quantum technologies, heterogeneous integration, ultra-high speed optical communications and RF through THz characterisation.

About the Team
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the 2D Materials And Devices Engineering (2D-MADE) Research Team within the Nanoelectronics Materials and Devices (NMD) Group at Tyndall National Institute. The 2D-MADE team is a dynamic group comprising PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, and research professionals working on cutting-edge research in 2D materials.

About the Role
This PhD position is part of a research project, funded by Research Ireland, and carried out in close collaboration with Intel and Synopsys as the project’s industry collaborators. The project aims to develop a validated, physics-based, multi-scale modelling platform for 2D-material-based devices, linking atomistic-scale material descriptions with device- and circuit-level models to enable realistic prediction of device behaviour across length scales.
The successful candidate will focus on device- and circuit-level physics-based model development, calibration, and validation, using material parameters derived from atomistic simulations, machine-learned force fields, and experimentally generated datasets within the project.

In collaboration with Synopsys, the candidate will integrate integrate atomistic-level parameters into physics-based device and compact models, enabling accurate simulation of carrier transport, defect effects, and scaling behaviour in TMD-based devices. This work will directly support industrially relevant design-technology co-optimisation and accelerate the adoption of 2D materials in semiconductor technologies.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Integrate DFT- and machine-learning-derived parameters into device-level simulations
• Develop and implement physics-based device models for TMD-based devices using realistic material and interface parameters
• Calibrate and validate device- and compact-level models against experimental datasets generated within the project
• Analyse the impact of defects, grain boundaries, and interfaces on device-level performance
• Perform design-space exploration and scaling studies for TMD-based devices
• Work closely with experimental researchers, postdoctoral staff, and industry partners to ensure model accuracy and relevance
• Contribute to the development of a material-focused digital twin for 2D materials and devices
• Rigorously disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
• Successfully complete the required taught modules in technical subjects related to the research project
• Engage in appropriate training and development opportunities to enhance transferable skills, career and reputation
• Participate and support in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
• Ensure compliance with and support of the Tyndall’s Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations.
• To carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• First-class honours undergraduate degree in Physics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline
• Strong background or demonstrated interest in semiconductor device physics or numerical simulation
• Experience or strong motivation to work with physics-based device or compact modelling
• Ability to analyse complex simulation data and link multiple modelling scales
• Ability to work as one and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Excellent analytical, scientific writing, and communication skills

Desirable Criteria

• Master’s degree with a focus on device physics, modelling, or simulation
• Prior exposure to semiconductor device simulation or numerical modelling tools
• Familiarity with compact modelling, transport physics, or variability analysis
• Experience working with large datasets or scripting for simulation workflows

What We Offer

• A generous tax-free scholarship stipend payment including tuition fees covered.
• 20 days per annum annual leave for full-time research students, in addition to public holidays.
• Full coverage of travel expenses to international conferences to present project outcomes.
• Training and development opportunities are also provided.
• Mardyke Sports Arena -Students – free when registered with UCC
• Free Park and Ride Service
• Also see here for more information

Terms of Employment
The annual stipend is €25,000. In addition, annual tuition fees will be paid by the Tyndall National Institute.
Contract: 4-year Full Time/Fixed Term

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Farzan Gity and Dr Lida Ansari
The closing date for applications for this position is 2nd February 2026.

Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.

Postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency as per UCC regulations (https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/). Certificates should be valid (usually less than 2 years old) and should be uploaded with their application.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.  The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.  Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on university approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector. 

Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.  Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.