PhD position in materials modeling for emerging memory devices
Cork, Cork, Ireland
Full Time
Postgraduate Studentships & Internships
Experienced
PhD position in materials modeling for emerging memory devices
About Tyndall
Tyndall National Institute is an international leader in semiconductors, photonics and deep-tech research and innovation. As a leading collaborative European research institute, Tyndall is a key actor and hosting partner in the delivery of the ‘Chips for Europe Initiative’ (EU Chips Act).
Tyndall is Ireland’s leading research and innovation organisation and it is the national focal point for excellence in deep-tech research, development and graduate training at the convergence of nanotechnology, microelectronics, photonics, electronics and AI. Tyndall is recognised as an international research leader in semiconductor, chip and digital technologies, particularly as applied to the fields of Information & Communications, Health & Life Sciences, Agritech & Food Security, Energy and Climate Mitigation, emerging fields such as quantum, and novel computing paradigms.
The Institute’s key objective is to see frontier research activities having a significant impact on economic development and societal challenges in Ireland, Europe and beyond. Central to Tyndall’s mission is delivering economic impact through research excellence in partnership with industry and academia. With an annual turnover of more than €50m, the Institute has a community of over 600 researchers, engineers, support staff, postgraduate students, interns and industry researchers-in-residence.
With significant committed Irish government support, Tyndall will grow to be 1,000 people by 2030, with approximately 750 researchers, including 250 PhD students. A new 17,000 m2 research building is under development adjacent to the Cork headquarters and there are developing plans to expand Tyndall’s existing Dublin research labs and to establish other research sites within Ireland.
Tyndall’s expansion is also supported by recent national and EU funding wins for significant (M€10’s) additional research equipment across a range of areas such as semiconductor processing, microscopy, quantum technologies, heterogeneous integration, ultra-high speed optical communications and RF through THz characterisation.
About the Team
The successful candidate will join the Materials Modelling for Device (MMD) group, an internationally recognized team focused on multiscale simulation of atomic level processing. The group’s research encompasses atomic layer deposition, thermal self-limiting atomic layer etches, molecular layer deposition and vapour phase infiltration. By combining first-principles density functional theory, molecular dynamics, kinetic Monte Carlo methods and machine learning, the team provides a world-leading platform for simulation-driven discovery of novel materials and materials processing chemistries for next generation technology nodes.
The group has received significant national funding which includes a full-time 4 year PhD position. Within the MMD group, the PhD researcher will work under the supervision of Dr. Samuel Aldana Delgado (ORCID: 0000-0002-1719-605X / Google Scholar) the lead PI on the project and the head of the group, Dr. Michael Nolan (OCIRD: 0000-0002-5224-8580), benefiting from an internationally recognised track record in multiscale materials simulation, strong mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration and access to cutting-edge computational resources, through Tyndall, UCC, the Irish Centre for High End Computing and EuroHPC.
About the Role
The PhD researcher will report to the supervisor, Dr. Aldana Delgado, and the Head of Group (Materials Modelling for Devices, Dr. Nolan) in the Tyndall MicroNanoSystems Centre and CMOS++ Research Cluster. The project aims to advance the understanding of materials fabricated by atomic layer deposition and atomic layer etching for use in emerging memory devices such as memristors.
The role requires a strong background in physics, chemistry or material science, along with coding experience. Familiarity with electronic devices or semiconductor processing is advantageous but not required.
As part of this position, the candidate will have access to training and professional development opportunities at both Tyndall National Institute and University College Cork (UCC), supporting their growth as a computational scientist.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
The PhD work will focus on first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations combined with machine learning (ML) to predict and analyze key material properties that drive device performance. Depending on project evolution, the role will also involve developing compact models to bridge atomistic insights with circuit level behavior through collaboration with Prof. Juan Bautista Roldán Aranda. This effort contributes to a wider multiscale simulation framework within the group, including kinetic Monte Carlo methods, but the PhD project will concentrate on the DFT+ML and compact modeling activities.
The candidate is expected to conduct independent and collaborative research, maintain rigorous scientific standards, and continuously contribute to the academic and technical life of the group. They will also engage in professional development, dissemination, and activities in line with Tyndall’s and UCC’s training and open science commitments.
The annual stipend is €25,00.00. In addition, annual tuition fees will be paid by the Tyndall National Institute.
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term (4 years)
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Samuel Aldana Delgado.
The closing date for applications for this position is 1pm, 19th January 2026.
Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.
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.
Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies. Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
About Tyndall
Tyndall National Institute is an international leader in semiconductors, photonics and deep-tech research and innovation. As a leading collaborative European research institute, Tyndall is a key actor and hosting partner in the delivery of the ‘Chips for Europe Initiative’ (EU Chips Act).
Tyndall is Ireland’s leading research and innovation organisation and it is the national focal point for excellence in deep-tech research, development and graduate training at the convergence of nanotechnology, microelectronics, photonics, electronics and AI. Tyndall is recognised as an international research leader in semiconductor, chip and digital technologies, particularly as applied to the fields of Information & Communications, Health & Life Sciences, Agritech & Food Security, Energy and Climate Mitigation, emerging fields such as quantum, and novel computing paradigms.
The Institute’s key objective is to see frontier research activities having a significant impact on economic development and societal challenges in Ireland, Europe and beyond. Central to Tyndall’s mission is delivering economic impact through research excellence in partnership with industry and academia. With an annual turnover of more than €50m, the Institute has a community of over 600 researchers, engineers, support staff, postgraduate students, interns and industry researchers-in-residence.
With significant committed Irish government support, Tyndall will grow to be 1,000 people by 2030, with approximately 750 researchers, including 250 PhD students. A new 17,000 m2 research building is under development adjacent to the Cork headquarters and there are developing plans to expand Tyndall’s existing Dublin research labs and to establish other research sites within Ireland.
Tyndall’s expansion is also supported by recent national and EU funding wins for significant (M€10’s) additional research equipment across a range of areas such as semiconductor processing, microscopy, quantum technologies, heterogeneous integration, ultra-high speed optical communications and RF through THz characterisation.
About the Team
The successful candidate will join the Materials Modelling for Device (MMD) group, an internationally recognized team focused on multiscale simulation of atomic level processing. The group’s research encompasses atomic layer deposition, thermal self-limiting atomic layer etches, molecular layer deposition and vapour phase infiltration. By combining first-principles density functional theory, molecular dynamics, kinetic Monte Carlo methods and machine learning, the team provides a world-leading platform for simulation-driven discovery of novel materials and materials processing chemistries for next generation technology nodes.
The group has received significant national funding which includes a full-time 4 year PhD position. Within the MMD group, the PhD researcher will work under the supervision of Dr. Samuel Aldana Delgado (ORCID: 0000-0002-1719-605X / Google Scholar) the lead PI on the project and the head of the group, Dr. Michael Nolan (OCIRD: 0000-0002-5224-8580), benefiting from an internationally recognised track record in multiscale materials simulation, strong mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration and access to cutting-edge computational resources, through Tyndall, UCC, the Irish Centre for High End Computing and EuroHPC.
About the Role
The PhD researcher will report to the supervisor, Dr. Aldana Delgado, and the Head of Group (Materials Modelling for Devices, Dr. Nolan) in the Tyndall MicroNanoSystems Centre and CMOS++ Research Cluster. The project aims to advance the understanding of materials fabricated by atomic layer deposition and atomic layer etching for use in emerging memory devices such as memristors.
The role requires a strong background in physics, chemistry or material science, along with coding experience. Familiarity with electronic devices or semiconductor processing is advantageous but not required.
As part of this position, the candidate will have access to training and professional development opportunities at both Tyndall National Institute and University College Cork (UCC), supporting their growth as a computational scientist.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
The PhD work will focus on first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations combined with machine learning (ML) to predict and analyze key material properties that drive device performance. Depending on project evolution, the role will also involve developing compact models to bridge atomistic insights with circuit level behavior through collaboration with Prof. Juan Bautista Roldán Aranda. This effort contributes to a wider multiscale simulation framework within the group, including kinetic Monte Carlo methods, but the PhD project will concentrate on the DFT+ML and compact modeling activities.
The candidate is expected to conduct independent and collaborative research, maintain rigorous scientific standards, and continuously contribute to the academic and technical life of the group. They will also engage in professional development, dissemination, and activities in line with Tyndall’s and UCC’s training and open science commitments.
- Perform DFT calculations to model materials processing with atomic layer deposition and atomic layer etching, as well as the atomic-sale mechanisms underlaying resistive switching.
- Develop and apply machine learning models to predict material properties, processing chemistries and accelerate simulation workflows.
- Contribute to the development and calibration of compact models predicting circuit behavior based on memristors.
- Analyze and interpret material simulation data and its impact for memristor performance, as well as contribute to scientific publications.
- Contribute to and help to maintain the open-source simulation framework repository, ensuring code quality and documentation.
- Present findings at group meetings, national/international conferences and project reviews.
- Engage in training activities and professional development programs offered by Tyndall and UCC.
- Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
- Ensure compliance with Tyndall’s Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations.
- To carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a relevant technical discipline.
- Demonstrated programming experience in a computing language such as Python, C++ or Julia with the ability to develop, debug and maintain code for research purposes.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an interest in computational material science and emerging memory devices.
- Ability to work on own initiative and collaboratively in a research team.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English (please see application instructions).
- A background or demonstrated experience in electronic devices or semiconductor processing is beneficial.
- Skills in atomistic simulations are beneficial.
- Excellent communication skills to interact with a range of researchers and the wider public.
- Commitment to Open Science, e.g. open access publications, codes and/or research data.
- Demonstrated ability to work with version control systems such as Git.
- A generous tax-free scholarship stipend payment including tuition fees covered.
- 20 days per annum annual leave for full-time research students, in addition to public holidays.
- Full coverage of travel expenses to international conferences to present project outcomes.
- Training and development opportunities are also provided.
- Mardyke Sports Arena -Students – free when registered with UCC
- Free Park and Ride Service
- Also see here for more information
The annual stipend is €25,00.00. In addition, annual tuition fees will be paid by the Tyndall National Institute.
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term (4 years)
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Samuel Aldana Delgado.
The closing date for applications for this position is 1pm, 19th January 2026.
Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.
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.
Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies. Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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