Researcher in Ferroelectric and Multiferroic and Thin Films

LK-05 Researcher in Ferroelectric and Multiferroic and Thin Films

Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

Tyndall National Institute is a leading European research centre in integrated ICT (Information and Communications Technology) hardware and systems, specialising in both electronics and photonics – materials, devices, circuits and systems. We are currently leading research programmes funded by the Royal Society and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) focussing on the development and optimisation of ferroelectric and multiferroic materials, aligning with Tyndall’s ‘CMOS++’ mission of developing ‘Deep Tech Innovation’ for next generation ICT.

As miniaturisation of electronic devices continues, existing data storage technologies are approaching their physical storage limitations. Multiferroic materials possess simultaneous ferroelectric and ferromagnetic memory states, allowing for novel ways of manipulating data and storing information. The unique advantage of these advanced materials is that a technology that exploits simultaneous ferroelectric and ferromagnetic memory states allows for multi-state storage devices. Furthermore, the ability to tailor multivalued logic will enable unique operations in future neuromorphic computing systems. No such devices presently exist however, as single-phase room temperature multiferroics are exceedingly rare and their material properties are currently limited. Therefore, the design and development of a unique room temperature multiferroic material was a significant output of our recent research at Tyndall. While earlier work focused on non-epitaxial approximately 100 nm-thick films, the overarching aim of our current research is to demonstrate room temperature magnetoelectric multiferroic behaviour at device-relevant thicknesses (sub 10 nm).

We now wish to hire a Postdoctoral Researcher in Ferroelectric and Multiferroic Thin film material development.

Key Responsibilities

The research/duties of this particular position will involve elements of the following:

• Work with the supervisor and other team members to deliver the outputs of the Royal Society/SFI project.
• Develop Direct Liquid Injection Chemical Vapour Deposition (DLI-CVD) processes for the synthesis and optimisation of complex oxide ferroelectric and multiferroic thin films.
• Perform structure elucidation, ferroelectric characterisation and studies of structure-property relationships of fabricated materials.
• Develop proof-of-concept test structures to assess ferroelectric and multiferroic performance at sub-10 nm film thickness.
• Collaborate with internal and external researchers.
• Utilise an independent approach to carry the project work forward.
• Report results to team leaders, partners, and funding agencies.
• Support the dissemination of research progress through publications in the top-tier journals and at leading conferences in the field.
• Contribute to partial assistance of postgraduate and undergraduate student/s.
• Communicate the benefits of the research to wider society through active participation in several Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
• The postdoctoral researcher will receive support to develop their career and will receive training and mentorship in funding proposal applications.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the required Health and Safety standards.
• Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• PhD in materials sciences, chemistry, physics or related discipline.
• BSc. (Hons) in materials sciences, chemistry, physics or related discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ferroelectric materials and characterisation is essential.
• Experience of synthesis of ferroelectric thin films is required.
• Track record of publications in journals, conferences or patents.
• Demonstrated ability to identify research challenges and opportunities within the ferroelectrics and multiferroics materials field.
• The candidate must be highly self-motivated, be able to demonstrate initiative and have a desire to learn.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Demonstrated expertise in thin film synthesis using chemical vapour deposition is desirable.
• Demonstrated expertise in thin film characterisation by X-ray diffraction is desirable.
• Demonstrated expertise in scanning probe microscopy techniques such as atomic force microscopy, piezoresponse force microscopy and conductive atomic force microscopy is desirable.
• Previous postdoctoral research experience is beneficial.
• Demonstrated knowledge of idea-generation and problem solving techniques.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Lynette Keeney at lynette.keeney@tyndall.ie

Appointment may be made on the IUA Researcher Scale € 39,522-€ 46,906 per annum.  Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Application Instructions

Step 1 - click here to download and complete the application form and indicate Job Reference LK-05

Step 2 – return completed application form, together with your cv and motivation letter to careers@tyndall.ie. Please ensure that your motivation letter, cv and application letter are submitted in pdf format.

Handwritten forms will not be accepted.

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.

At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.

Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.