Post Doctoral Researcher - Crystalline Oxides for Next Generation Computing and Photonic Technologies (m/w/d)

Job Description

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

This postdoctoral position is within the Nanoelectronic Materials and Devices Group. The group, which includes around 25 people (PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, visiting students and Tyndall Research staff), perform research into alternative semiconductor materials and device structures aimed at improving the energy efficiency in the next generation devices. The group investigates III V, 2D (e.g., MoS2, WSe2) and oxide semiconductors and their interfaces with metals and oxides which will form the heart of electronic or photonic devices.

About the Role

The Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork invite applications for a postdoctoral position focussed on the processing and characterisation of crystalline oxides formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) to enable low-temperature integration of epitaxial functional complex oxides, with applications spanning ferroelectrics, neuromorphic. The research position is supported by The European Commission through the CONCEPT project.

Background

The rapid evolution of information- and communication technology (ICT) that the world has experienced over the last half century is slowing down due to inherent limitations in traditional silicon semiconductor technology. Still, the need for more powerful and less energy-hungry electronic devices remains fast-growing, as everyone and everything becomes connected. At the same time, new technology needs to adhere to a higher standard of sustainability, adding to the challenge. The unassailable truth is that we need new materials, new devices, and new deployment of technology to overcome these obstacles.

CONCEPT aims to make a major contribution in this endeavour, utilizing the strengths of excellent European partners within chemistry, materials science, device physics and device engineering. We choose an innovative and unexpected approach, by proposing the use of atomic layer deposition (ALD) to enable low-temperature integration of epitaxial functional complex oxides, in particular ferroelectrics, in neuromorphic- and photonic devices. CONCEPT will challenge the belief that high quality "cube-on-cube" epitaxial growth of oxides with atomically flat interfaces deposited at reduced temperatures is out of reach of the microelectronics industry. The project will explore the ALD growth processes and the applications to proof-of-concept neuromorphic and photonic devices.

The postdoctoral research position will be focussed on the processing and characterisation of electronic and photonic devices formed by the new ALD process. The successful candidate will have completed a PhD in electrical engineering, or a physics related discipline.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Interaction with project partners for the development of test structures and devices for electrical characterisation of the complex oxides.
• Development of processes to form relevant neuromorphic and photonic structures.
• The candidate will need to take a leadership role in all aspects of the fabrication of the necessary structures for electrical and opto-electrical characterisation and interaction with project partners.
• The candidate will perform the required electrical characterisation of complex oxide films and provide feedback to project partners
• Investigation of electronic transport mechanisms in complex oxide films
• Participate and support in Education and Public Engagement activities.
• Ensure compliance with 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.
• Dissemination of project results through journal publications and conference attendence

Essential Criteria

• The candidate should have a PhD in Engineering or Physics. They should have a proven track record in semiconductor device processing and electronic characterisation of semiconducting and/or oxide devices.
• Experience of on-wafter electrical characterisation of semiconductor devices in a probe station.
• Experience in the fabrication of semiconductor devices (e.g., lithography, sputtering, etching, oxide deposition)

Desirable Criteria

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Evidence of entrepreneurial experience and creative skills/creativity

What We Offer

Apart from offering a position in a very successful and positive research environment, with a collaborative ethos full of diverse competencies to boost your career, we offer the following:

• Impactful Work: Opportunities to contribute to ground-breaking research and innovation that shape Ireland's economy and the society at large.
• Continuous Learning: Strong support for formal training, further study and professional development.
• Interdisciplinary Environment: Where academia, industry, and innovation intersect - supported by cutting-edge infrastructure and expert knowledge.
• Blended Working: Flexibility to work remotely and on-site, where the role allows.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Access to UCC pension, long-term illness benefit, life assurance, and more.
• Generous Leave: Competitive annual leave entitlements.
• Equity & Inclusion: Athena Swan Bronze award holder, with ongoing initiatives led by a dedicated People and Culture team to ensure equity for all.
• Core Values: A culture grounded in Ambition, Collaboration, Diversity, Excellence, and Integrity.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: A proactive, innovation-driven environment that welcomes entrepreneurial and creative thinkers, including those with start-up experience.
• Supportive Onboarding: Structured induction and mentoring to help new hires integrate and thrive.
• Vibrant Culture: A collaborative, people-first workplace with a strong sense of community.

Terms of Employment

Contract Category: Full-Time
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Duration: to 31st December 2027

Appointment may be made on the IUA Researcher Scale (new entrants) salary ???46,306- ???52,863 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Karim Cherkaoui