We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher who will deposit and characterize single and multilayers in respect of for example purity, density, surface and interface roughness, resistivity, etc. Growth processes will need to be optimized, potentially by improving the precursors employed. The target is to assess CVD-based MTJ stacks in respect of their tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) and benchmark them vs. state of the art PVD.
Description
Imec performs world-leading research in nano-electronics. Imec leverages its scientific knowledge with the innovative power of its global partnerships in ICT, healthcare and energy. Imec delivers industry-relevant technology solutions. In a unique high-tech environment, its international top talent is committed to providing the building blocks for a better life in a sustainable society. Imec is headquartered in Leuven (Belgium) and has offices in the Netherlands, US, Taiwan, China, India and Japan. Its staff of more than 2,086 people includes over 750 industrial residents, guest researchers and scholarships. Job description As the more classical memory types such as Flash and Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) memory are running towards fundamental scaling limits, more advanced memory types are being developed. Imec has started a large scale program focused on Spin Torque Transfer RAM (STT-RAM), a spin based non-volatile memory type. The core elements in this type of memory are Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). An MTJ consists of two ferromagnetic (FM) electrodes separated by an ultrathin oxide acting as a tunnel barrier, where the magnetization of one of the FM layers (the bit element) is free to change via spin polarized currents. Up to date, these MTJ stacks are standardly deposited by Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). On the other hand, the synthesis of MTJs employing chemical routes, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and/or atomic layer deposition (ALD), has been scarcely pursued. As the MTJ is buildup from nanometer thin layers with the need for a thickness control at the Angstrom level, ALD should be an ideally suited technique as it is well-known to deposit smooth, perfectly stoichiometric, and conformal ultrathin layers. We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher who will deposit and characterize single and multilayers in respect of for example purity, density, surface and interface roughness, resistivity, etc. Growth processes will need to be optimized, potentially by improving the precursors employed. The target is to assess CVD-based MTJ stacks in respect of their tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) and benchmark them vs. state of the art PVD.
Benefits
Profile You have a PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or Engineering. Practical experience in the deposition of metals by CVD techniques (preferentially ALD) is a must. Experience with studying the initial stages of growth is a strong plus. You can quickly change the focus of your research and pursue opportunities. You are a self-starter and a hands-on person. You have excellent reporting skills and are able to present scientific results (publications, conferences, seminars). You can easily integrate in an international team. Good English communication skills are required. This postdoctoral position is funded by imec through the KU Leuven. Because of the specific financing statute which targets international mobility for postdocs, only candidates who did not stay or work/study in Belgium for more than 24 months in the past 3 years can be considered for the position (short stays such as holiday, participation in conferences, etc. are not taken into account). We offer We offer a challenging position for 2 years in an advanced high-tech environment and in an international, interdisciplinary team. Further, we offer the opportunity to contribute to technologies that will have an impact on the society of tomorrow. The salary is competitive. Furthermore, imec offers various training possibilities and social services, such as a company restaurant, the possibility of day care nearby, and discounts in different sport clubs and shops.
Additional Job Details
Please include your CV, publication list and contact details of at least one referee when applying for this position.
18/05/2014
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