Electrical characterization and modeling of new types of 3D integrated ferroelectric memories that are prototyped in imec’s world-renowned 300mm R&D facility.
What you will do
Memories are an essential building block for all electronic systems and great efforts are being made by the industry and academia to improve existing technologies and to invent new ones. Since its invention in 1968, the dominant memory type has been the Dynamic Random Access memory (DRAM), serving as the main memory of almost every computer. Over many decades, DRAM cost scaling followed the well-known law of Gordon Moore. However, more recently this historical scaling trend has significantly slowed down, posing increasing challenges for memory hungry data centers. At the same time, a major shift is occurring in the design of computer architectures. New applications such as machine learning require data access patterns that are different from the classical Von Neuman computer model. This evolution opens opportunities for new types of so-called Storage Class Memories (SCM). Several types of SCM are being investigated currently, and one of the leading candidates is 3D integrated ferroelectric memory.
Imec has made significant progress in the research of this type of memory and is increasing its research effort on this topic. By establishing a solid test vehicle platform, a wide range of different device design, operation and memory array implementation options have become available. A critical aspect in the evaluation of the viability of these concepts will be the characterization of the electrical performance such as speed, memory window and disturb, as well as reliability performance such as retention, imprint, wake-up, breakdown and fatigue. A first step is the determination and documentation of these various parameters. A second step is to establish a deeper understanding of the device behavior. Ultimately, these studies are expected to result in recommendations for improved device design, processing or operating conditions.
Imec is soliciting enthusiastic candidates for a post-doctoral position to explore 3D integrated ferroelectric memories. The goal is to characterize and model the operation and reliability of these types of memories. A thorough literature study will be a first step to investigate the different concepts, explore their limits and potential and identify promising avenues. Next steps will be the electrical and physical characterization of existing devices, and to propose new ones to be implemented in imec’s research test vehicles, in collaboration with our technology experts. Emphasis will be put on the use and development of advanced electrical measurement techniques and the in-depth understanding of the fabricated devices.
What we do for you
We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth.
We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits.
- Imec values a cooperative spirit. What does it mean for you? You can easily collaborate across teams and fields with our 6000+ colleagues. Thus, directly learn from the many leading experts in nanotechnology, metrology, system architecture, etc. and accelerate your research.
- Extensive support infrastructure (automated measurement department, leading edge metrology department, public funding department, etc.) that will allow you to concentrate on your research.
- Competitive imec payroll contract for a fixed term of two years.
- Long term perspective in science! We grow our scientific high potentials in scientific leadership. Imec has a structural scientific career path, along which you can pursue a professional career as a researcher. Our young researchers also have easy access to open positions in one of the many companies of the semiconductor industry that work with imec or can transfer to an academic position at a university.
- Imec is the crossroads where all semiconductor players meet to tackle fundamental research questions and technology bottlenecks. This allows you to build a unique network within academia and industry that you will be able to leverage for any future career.
- Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth.
- We are proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process, not only with words but also with tangible actions.
Who you are
- You have a PhD in Electrical engineering. Background in solid-state physics, material science, semiconductor characterization.
- You have a passion for research and have demonstrated excellence and independence during your PhD or post-PhD industry related experience.
- You take initiatives and can work on your own, while also working well as part of a team comprised of diverse technical and cultural backgrounds.
- You are an innovative, result-driven, and can meet deadlines with quality output.
- You are a clear and effective communicator. Strong language skills in English are required for imec’s diverse working environment.
Type of work: 15% literature, 60% measurement, 25% modeling.
Promotor: Jan Van Houdt
Co-Promotor: Maarten Rosmeulen
Daily advisors: Nicolo Ronchi
IMEC and its affiliates will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. IMEC will consider unsolicited referrals and/or resumes submitted by vendors such as search firms, staffing agencies, professional recruiters, fee-based referral services and recruiting agencies (hereafter “Agency”) to have been referred by the Agency free of charge. IMEC will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have a prior written agreement with IMEC, validated by its HR department, in place regarding a specific job opening and allowing to submit resumes.
