Doctoral student in Electrical Engineering focusing on Nanotechnology for AI - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The position is at the Department of Electrical and Information Technology and The division for Electromagnetics and Nanoelectronics (EMN), which consists of about twenty researchers and doctoral students whose research ranges from nano-electronics to electromagnetic field theory. Among other things, research is conducted on brain-inspired (neuromorphic) nanoelectronics, with a focus on material, device physics and system aspects of this technology.

This position is connected to NanoLund, which is the centre for research, education and innovation within nanoscience at Lund University. NanoLund engages more than 400 researchers, students and staff, within the faculties of engineering, science and medicine. It is a strategic research area funded by the Swedish Government, and Sweden’s largest research environment for nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Subject description

The focus of this project is nanoelectronics for artificial intelligence (AI). AI is a key technology for the transition to a carbon-neutral society but relies on powerful computing hardware which high energy consumption is itself a difficult obstacle on the road to sustainable AI. Inspired by the brain, neuromorphic hardware promises up to 1,000 times more energy-efficient computing by interweaving computation with data storage. The key to this breakthrough technology is new types of nanoelectronic memory devices that still need a lot of research.

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%)

The research will primarily involve extensive semiconductor process development performed in a state-of-the-art cleanroom facility, advanced electrical characterization, and materials characterization including the use of synchrotron  x-ray-based methods, for example at the MAX IV facility (maxiv.lu.se). The position may involve a combination of experimental and simulation work and requires close collaboration with other PhD students in the division, the department and NanoLund.

Your research will be on ferroelectric tunnel junctions, one of the most promising new memory technologies for neuromorphic hardware, and will explore new material combinations, develop new component designs, and unique process technology to achieve component performance beyond the best available today.

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Electrical Engineering if he or she has: 

• at least 60 second-cycle credits in subjects of relevance to electrical engineering or 
• a MSc in Engineering in biomedical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, engineering mathematics, nanoengineering, engineering physics or information and communication engineering.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Very good knowledge of one or several subjects in physics, nanotechnology, or material science. 

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following: 

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study. 
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. 
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience. 

Other assessment criteria:

• Courses, and demonstrated knowledge in material science, device physics, nanotechnology.
• Knowledge of hardware for neuromorphic computing.
• Experience from experimental research, e.g. clean room work and device characterization.
   
  Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Terms of employment 

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

We intend to employ 1-2 persons. The start date is September 1, 2024, or as soon as possible after this according to agreement.  

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Welcome to apply!