Postdoctoral Researcher Heterogeneous System Partitioning in Sequential 3D Technology

Historically CMOS technology is developed based on the one-fits-all concept where the back-end of line (BEOL) and front-end of line (FEOL) are designed in a way that the technology can satisfy the requirements of various circuit blocks such as embedded memory, logic circuits, I/O circuits. The aggressive poly-pitch and metal-pitch scaling forces to adopt novel materials for BEOL interconnect and new device structures and/or materials for FEOL. These new device and interconnect concepts are dramatically reshaping the fundamental concept of CMOS circuit design. For example, increasing the size of a driver for improving the speed of a circuit which delay is dominated by the BEOL resistance could be inefficient. It is therefore important to understand how BEOL and FEOL contribute to the system performance. This understanding would allow the development of customized BEOL and FEOL to meet the performance requirements of various circuit blocks and heterogeneously integrate them in a 3D IC for attaining benefits from system PPA. Fine-grain system partition would require aggressive scaling of 3D interconnect pitch which can be achieved by sequential 3D technology. 

What you will do

Research the impact of BEOL and FEOL on system performance in emerging CMOS technologies.

• Partition the circuit blocks based on their power, performance, area, and cost requirements.
• Utilization of sequential 3D technology to build densely connected heterogeneous systems for improved PPA.

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 hold a PhD in Electronics, SRAM or digital circuit design or equivalent
• Knowledgeable of Cadence ADE and Verilog-A
• Understanding of device-level variability and reliability
• Familiar with TCAD tools
• Hands-on experience in Python and Matlab
• Inquisitive, research-oriented, and hard-working
• Understanding in digital design and implementation (place&route)
• Hands-on experience with different EDA tools
• Capable to work across multiple teams and promoting solutions to industry partners

This postdoctoral position is funded by imec through 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).