Masters – Novel Thermal Atomic Layer

Masters – Novel Thermal Atomic Layer

Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

Tyndall National Institute invites applications to a full time 24 month MSc student position in the Materials Modelling for Devices group, headed by Dr. Michael Nolan, to develop the chemistries needed for new thermal, self-limiting atomic layer etch (ALE) chemistries building on results from multiscale atomistic simulations.

Purpose of Role

Reporting to the Head of Group – Materials Modelling for Devices in the Tyndall MicroNanoSystems Centre, the MSc student will be responsible for leading project work on developing novel thermal atomic layer etching chemistries using Tyndall’s thin film processing facilities. The position is supported by a Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) project supported by Intel. The work is co-supervised by Dr. Ian Povey, who heads Tyndall’s advanced materials and surfaces group, including thin film processing.

The overall aim of this project is to explore the chemistry of self-limiting thermal atomic layer etching (tALE) which is being deployed for precise, controlled etching of a range of materials with a view to applying this in the fabrication of next generation semiconductor devices where complex 3D structure and ultra thin films are required. While there has been some significant advances in thermal ALE [doi:10.1021/acs.accounts.0c00084, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnsc.2018.11.003, https://doi.org/10.1116/6.0000894] and the MMD group at Tyndall has pioneered the atomistic simulation of thermal ALE of metal oxides and metals [doi:10.1021/acs.chemmater.8b01930, https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/6183ac019b583aca9deb1f67, http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/6.0000804, https://pure.ulster.ac.uk/ws/files/85689489/ALE_Manuscript.pdf], there are still many open questions. This project aims to understand the role of surface orientation, surface defects and terminations, find alternatives to HF and develop libraries of tALE process chemistries which can be experimentally tested.

The role involves the implementation of new thermal ALE process chemistries at Tyndall, building on the atomistic simulation work already under way. The position requires a strong background in chemistry and/or materials, while an interest and aptitude in materials chemistry will be beneficial.

As part of this role the MSc candidate will take training and development opportunities at Tyndall and UCC to drive their wider technical training and career development. Relevant UCC modules will be taken to develop technical and general research skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading research on developing thermal atomic layer etching processes at Tyndall, working with Dr. Povey
• Work with the simulation postdoc on the project to transfer their results into new processes.
• Liaise with industry sponsors and present results of their research
• Engage with SRC programs, such as TECHCON, the yearly SRC scholar researcher conference in the USA.
• Delivering high quality research outputs and publishing results in highest quality scientific and technical publications (targeting 1st quartile)
• Promoting Open Science within the group.
• Clear commitment to personal and career development
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities.
• Ensure compliance with Tyndall's Quality Management, and Health and Safety standards.
• Perform additional duties as required within the scope of the post.

Essential Criteria

• Background and BSc degree in experimental chemistry and/or materials chemistry
• Demonstrated laboratory skills
• Knowledge of materials chemistry and solid state physics
• Commitment to personal training and development

Desirable Criteria

• Excellent communication skills to interact with a range of researchers.
• Commitment to Open Science, e.g. open access publications, codes and/or research data

What we offer

• Individual Development Plans: graduate students work with their supervisors to create detailed student learning plans and training & career “roadmaps” that take into account their interests and aspirations as well as the business needs of their Centre and the Institute.
• Opportunities for travel to conferences and project meetings
• Opportunities for Outreach and public engagement activities

The annual stipend is €22,000 pa. In addition, yearly University academic fees will be paid by the Tyndall National Institute.

Informal enquiries can be made to Michael Nolan at email: [email protected].

The closing date for applications is 6th September, 2024

Application Instructions

Candidates should submit a brief statement outlining their motivation/suitability for the position and their curriculum vitae, to include list of publications, the names, addresses and email IDs of three referees.

Postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency as per UCC regulations (https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/). Certificates should be valid (usually less than 2 years old) and should be uploaded with their application.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.

Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.