Low-Energy EXAFS Analysis for Understanding Dopant Activation
Master internship, PhD internship - Leuven | Just now
What you will do
As semiconductor devices continue to scale, understanding the atomic-scale environment of dopant atoms is increasingly important for controlling activation and device performance. During this internship, you will analyze low-energy Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) data obtained from doped semiconductor materials being developed for next generation devices. The objective is to identify the local coordination and bonding environment of dopant atoms and link these structural characteristics to independently measured activation ratios.
Process and analyze low-energy X-ray absorption spectroscopy and EXAFS datasets.
Apply fitting workflows to extract coordination numbers, bond distances, and local structure.
Assess the robustness and uncertainty of the fitted EXAFS parameters.
Correlate the EXAFS-derived local chemical environment with dopant activation measurements.
Visualize and interpret the results and communicate findings to an interdisciplinary research team.
Contribute to technical reports and, where appropriate, scientific publications.
Who you are
You are a Master’s student, recent graduate, or early-career researcher in physics, materials science, chemistry, nanotechnology, or a related field.
You have a general understanding of X-ray absorption spectroscopy and EXAFS analysis.
You have experience with scientific data analysis, fitting, and interpretation.
Experience with Python, MATLAB, or related tools is an advantage.
You are analytical, detail-oriented, and motivated to work on semiconductor materials characterization.
You communicate clearly and enjoy working in a multidisciplinary, international environment.
What we offer
A 12-month research internship at the forefront of semiconductor materials characterization.
Hands-on experience with advanced synchrotron spectroscopy datasets and quantitative EXAFS analysis.
Close collaboration with experts in semiconductor metrology, synchrotron spectroscopy, materials science, and electrical characterization.
A dynamic, multidisciplinary, and international research environment at imec in Leuven.
Interested?
Join us to uncover how the atomic-scale environment of dopants governs electrical activation in next-generation semiconductor materials. Your work will help establish structure-property relationships that support future device technologies.
Type of internship: Master internship, PhD internship
Duration: 12 months
Required educational background: Physics, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Chemistry/Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering
University promotor: Claudia Fleischmann (KU Leuven)
Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Richard Morris (Richard.Morris@imec.be)
The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-332. Mention this reference code in your application.
Only for self-supporting students.
Applications should include the following information:
- resume
- motivation
- current study
Incomplete applications will not be considered.