Postdoctoral Researcher in Metrology and Design in Nanowire and Nanosheet Device Technologies

RD-9: Postdoctoral Researcher in Metrology and Design in Nanowire and Nanosheet Device Technologies

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 to capture the material science and physics of surface/interface engineered properties, in the context of understanding novel semiconductor processes. We will embark on correlative and hybrid metrology approaches linking microscopy and spectroscopy methods specific to nanowire and nanosheet logic device technologies. This research aligns with Tyndall’s ‘CMOS++’ mission of developing ‘Deep Tech Innovation’ for next generation ICT.

To maintain device scaling, industry has been forced to move from planar to non-planar device architectures. This alone has created the need to develop fundamentally new doping techniques with necessary conformal and shallow doping profiles. The state-of-the-art in semiconductor doping is beam-line ion implantation. It is the industry standard because it can generate a single ion species with a single energy in an industrially friendly highly controlled fashion. Addressing future challenges, the Industry is developing new dopant techniques suitable for high surface-to-volume device architectures. In parallel, metrology methods need to be deployed that are capable of characterising conceptually new semiconductor fabrication steps developed, and associated undiscovered materials properties. Specifically, correlative and hybrid metrology approaches of interest here:

• Local Workfunction, charge states at surface, contact “type” (KPFM)
• Local resistances and conductivity changes, topography (C-AFM). Combining measurements from the same tool allows correlation between mechanical, topographic and electrical properties.
• Compositional analysis of surface overlayer (FTIR)
• Compositional analysis of near surface within Si (EELS)
• Interface point defect kinetics (dopant marker layer diffusion)
• Defects in epi overgrowth (defect decoration by chemical etch processes and correlation of top-down AFM and plan-view TEM)
• Lateral diffusion (TEM staining)

We now wish to hire a Postdoctoral Researcher in Metrology and Design in Nanowire and Nanosheet Device Technologies for a period of 18 months.

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 project.
• Coordinate and execute implementation of experimental work, including semiconductor processing, characterisation, presentation of data and interpretation of data.
• Literature review the subject area to benchmark new data against existing knowledge.
• Draw conclusions on limit of TEM staining sensitivity for shallow doped layers in silicon.
• Undertake chemical etching for defect identification in epi layers.
• Perform diffusion extraction as a function of surface treatment, and corresponding interpretation related to point defect concentrations.
• Explore proof-of-concept that C-AFM and KPFM can identify conduction and Workfunction changes as a function of novel semiconductor process.
• Interpretation of the material characterisation data from AFM, TEM, SEM, ECV, and SIMS analysis.
• 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 supervision 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.
• 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, engineering, chemistry, physics or related discipline.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Capability of working effectively within a team to achieve results.
• Highly self-motivated, be able to demonstrate initiative and have a desire to learn.
• A strong publication record.
• Demonstrated knowledge of material science and characterisation is essential.
• An ability to identify research challenges and opportunities within the semiconductor materials field.
• Self-motivation, initiative, and being achievement-oriented.
• A demonstrated capability in the delivery of research projects.

Desirable Criteria

• Past experience in deep learning is highly advantageous.
• Past experience in interacting with business stakeholders, as well as other stakeholders, is also a plus.

The postdoctoral researcher will receive support to develop their career and will receive training and mentorship in funding proposal applications.

Appointment may be made on the IUA Researcher Scale €42,031 - €48,427 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Ray Duffy at ray.duffy@tyndall.ie

Application Instructions

Step 1 - Please click here to download the Application form and indicate the Job Reference RD-9

Step 2 - Return the 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.

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.