Postdoctoral Researcher Materials studies for contacting 2D transition metal dichalcogenide

What you will do

Novel two-dimensional materials, and especially semi-conducting transition metal dichalcogenides (MX2, with M a transition metal and X a chalcogen) offer advanced functionality in complex and ultra-scaled integrated systems. In view of their compelling electronic, magnetic and optical properties for a monolayer form, imec explores their integration for various applications and systems, in particular for advanced CMOS technologies in a beyond silicon roadmap. 

Improving channel transport properties, scaling the equivalent gate oxide thickness and reducing the contact resistance are the main challenges for demonstrating performant 2D scaled devices. As some progresses have been made recently in channel and gate stack performance, contact resistivity remains the main limiter for achieving high device performance. 
Many options from material and process standpoint are envisioned and need to be investigated in detail. In this project, the candidate will be part of the thin film research team of imec and will work in close relationship with the device, integration, and characterization teams. 

• The postdoc will participate in the material pre-selection based on literature review and internal simulation studies.
• The postdoc will investigate innovative processes and materials for contacting MX2 materials, internally with the large imec toolset or in synergy with the ongoing research projects running with imec partners. The goal is to understand how to create low resistivity contacts by means of physical and chemical vapor deposition of selected contact materials deposited on MX2 materials, by investigating the physical and chemical processes during initial nucleation and film formation, e.g. adsorption, diffusion, nucleation. The obtained insight will be relevant to design material and deposition strategies for top and side contacts. 
• The postdoc will perform advanced material characterization, and the associated sanity check of electrical properties on basic device vehicles, to understand the primary material contact interactions as well as the impact of impurities and surface roughness. Based on these studies, he will participate to the selection and the implementation of best contact solutions in scaled devices. This work will take place in our state-of-the-art 300mm R&D fab and in our research labs, where the postdoc will benefit from one of the best-in-class physical and electrical characterization environments for MX2 materials.

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. 

Who you are

• You have recently obtained a PhD in material science, (applied) physics, chemical science, electrical engineering with emphasis on device, nanotechnology, or related field of science.
• Foremost, you have hands on experience with either two-dimensional materials or physical and electrical characterization of thin films. 
• Ideally, you have a prior knowledge of physical and or chemical deposition processes for thin films.
• You possess a systematic research attitude to identify and address the relevant research questions, analyse and report the obtained results, and propose and explore innovative approaches from that insight.
• Ideally, you enjoy working in a complementary research team, and take initiative when analysing and disseminating results to a specific and general audience
• You display a full professional proficiency in English

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).