Postdoc Novel Metals

What you will do

In today’s microelectronic devices, metals are ubiquitous as conductors in interconnects, gates, and contacts. Their performance critically impacts the device properties, both in terms of power consumption as well as performance. A key property of metals is their conductivity. Today, the characteristic dimensions of interconnects in state-of-the-art microelectronic chips approaches 10 nm and will reach even smaller dimensions in the near future. At these scales, the conductivity in polycrystalline wires is strongly degraded, leading to strong deterioration of resistances and thus performance. Hence, research on novel metals and their properties at the nanoscale has become increasingly important in the last decade and can be considered as a key topic in materials research for semiconductor devices.

More recently, the focus of forefront alternative metal research has shifted to binary and layered ternary intermetallic compounds, e.g., MAX phases. Such materials are complex as e.g. their stoichiometry, orientation, (dis-)order, and microstructure need to be controlled, all affecting their resistivity. In this postdoc, the candidate will explore anisotropic layered ternary intermetallic compounds for advanced interconnect applications. The deposition of these materials as thin films will employ imec’s newly installed Materials & Interface Laboratory, which combines several deposition and surface preparation chambers with in situ surface analysis in a vacuum cluster. A special emphasis will be on the epitaxy of such films on suitable substrates. Beyond deposition, the postdoc will explore advanced characterization techniques for a in depth understanding of the thin film properties and their relation to resistivity.

At imec, we have a multifaceted team on novel metals for interconnect applications with various backgrounds in materials and process development, 300 mm and lab integration, as well as ab initio modelling. You will be part of the team with a strong contribution to our materials roadmap. Hands-on experience in advanced x-ray characterization (small-angle scattering, x-ray absorption fine structure) and data analysis is a plus.

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 competitive salary with many fringe benefits.

Who you are

• You have a PhD degree in physics, applied physics, materials science, or a closely related discipline.
• Insight into the physics of charge transport in nanoscale metals, and/or hands-on experience with thin film deposition as well as advanced x-ray characterization techniques is a plus
• Enthusiastic and “always improving” mentality. Self-motivated, innovative, results driven, and a team-player.
• We appreciate your open mind and multi-disciplinary attitude.
• Given the international character of imec, good knowledge of (spoken and written) English is a must.