PhD in Material Modelling for Devices

MN-20 PhD in Material Modelling for Devices

Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

Tyndall National Institute invites applications to a full time PhD position in the Materials Modelling for Devices group, headed by Dr. Michael Nolan, to investigate new thermal, self-limiting atomic layer etch chemistries using multiscale atomistic simulations.

Purpose of Role

Reporting to the Head of Group – Materials Modelling for Devices in the Tyndall MicroNanoSystems Centre, the PhD student will be responsible for leading the work on using multi-scale simulations to model novel thermal atomic layer etching chemistries. The position is supported by a Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) project supported by Intel.

The overall aim of this project is to explore the chemistry of self-limiting thermal atomic layer etching (tALE) which is being deployed for precise, controlled etching of a range of materials with a view to applying this in the fabrication of next generation semiconductor devices where complex 3D structure and ultra thin films are required. While there has been some significant advances in thermal ALE doi:10.1021/acs.accounts.0c00084, https: // doi.org/10.1016/j.pnsc.2018.11.003,https: // doi.org/10.1116/6.0000894 and the MMD group at Tyndall has pioneered the atomistic simulation of thermal ALE of metal oxides and metals doi:10.1021/acs.chemmater.8b01930, https: // chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article- details/6183ac019b583aca9deb1f67,https:// dx.doi.org/10.1116/6.0000804, https: // pure.ulster.ac.uk/ws/files/85689489/ALEManuscript.pdf, there are still many open questions. This project aims to understand the role of surface orientation, surface defects and terminations, find alternatives to HF and develop libraries of tALE process chemistries.

The role requires a strong background chemistry/materials/sold state physics, whereby previous experience with programming and machine learning will be a significant benefit. Ideally, some exposure to first principles simulations for materials discovery or other atomistic simulations approaches would be part of a candidate's background.

As part of this role the candidate will take training and development opportunities at Tyndall and UCC, as well as relevant postgraduate and undergraduate modules to drive their wider training and development. Please see postgraduate-research and https: // www. ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/.

Key Responsibilities

Leading research on multiscale simulation of thermal atomic layer etching chemistry

Use first principles simulations for simulation of process chemistry.

Develop machine learning models to accelerate thermal ALE simulations

Liaise with industry sponsors and present results of their research

Engage with SRC programs, such as TECHCON, the yearly student researcher conference in the USA.

Delivering high quality research outputs and publishing results in highest quality scientific and technical publications (targeting 1st quartile)

Promoting Open Science within the group.

Clear commitment to personal and career development

Mentor junior researchers such as final year project students or summer fellows

Other responsibilities

Participate in 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 scholarship.

Essential Criteria

Background in chemistry/materials/solid state physics

Completed or about to complete BSc/BEng/MSc with minimum grade of 2:1 (second class honours, grade 1 https: // www. ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/ to convert your grade)

Knowledge of simulation methods

Experience in programming

Commitment to personal training and development

Desirable Criteria

Exposure to machine learning.

Previous experience with atomistic simulations

Excellent communication skills to interact with a range of researchers.

Commitment to Open Science, e.g. open access publications, codes and/or research data

What we offer

Individual Development Plans: Students work with their supervisors to create detailed training and career “roadmaps” that take into account their interests and aspirations as well as the business needs of their Centre and the Institute.

Opportunities for travel to conferences and project meetings

Opportunities for Outreach and public engagement activities

The annual stipend is €22,000 pa. In addition, yearly University academic fees will paid by the Tyndall National Institute.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Michael Nolan at [email protected].

The closing date for applications is 29th March, 2024.

Application Instructions

Clickhere to Apply

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.

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.