Postdoctoral position in Electrical Engineering focusing on Nanomaterials for AI

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 the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability, WISE. WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will encompass major efforts at Sweden’s universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science. 
More on WISE (wise-materials.org)

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Research School, an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, researchers, and industry.
More on WISE Research School (wise-materials.org/research-school)

The position is also part of 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. 
More on NanoLund (nano.lu.se)

Project description

The focus of this project is nanomaterials to be used in neuromorphic devices 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 require research in terms of the materials that they are built by.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a postdoctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. 

Your work duties will primarily involve material development and characterization as well as semiconductor process development performed in a state-of-the-art cleanroom facility. Materials synthesis will include using pulsed laser deposition (PLD), sputtering and atomic layer deposition (ALD) methods of metallic, semiconducting and dielectric oxides, and combinations thereof. Materials characterization includes the use of synchrotron x-ray-based methods, for example at the MAX IV facility. 
More on MAX IV (maxiv.lu.se)

The position may involve a combination of experimental and simulation work and requires close collaboration with doctoral 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 and unique process technology to achieve device performance beyond the best available today.

Qualification requirements 

Appointment to a postdoctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Very good knowledge of one or several subjects in physics, nanotechnology, or material science. 
• Previous experience with metal oxide synthesis, either by pulsed laser deposition or atomic layer deposition.
• Previous experience with ferroelectric materials.

Assessment criteria

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a postdoctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills. 

Other qualifications:

• Practical experiences with pulsed laser deposition, atomic layer deposition, ferroelectric materials, hafnium-zirconium oxide.
• Research publications in the field of neuromorphic computing.
• Experience from clean room work and electrical characterization.
• Academic leadership.

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

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. 

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years with start date as soon as possible according to agreement but no later than August 1, 2025. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral fellow”).

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

Welcome to apply!