PhD Scholarship in Two Dimensional (2D) and Ferroelectric Nano-Materials
Cork, Munster, Ireland
Full Time
Scholarships, Postgraduates & Internships
Experienced
PhD Scholarship in Two Dimensional (2D) and Ferroelectric Nano-Materials
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term
Tyndall National Institute is a leading European research centre in integrated ICT (Information and Communications Technology) hardware and systems, specialising in both electronics and photonics-materials, devices, circuits and systems. We are currently leading research programmes funded by Research Ireland Pathway Programme focussing on the on the development of 2D TMDC (transition metal dichalcogenide) semiconductor-ferroelectric heterostructures for device applications. This PhD project aligns with our mission to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to enable future technologies.
Project Overview
The rapid growth of data generation and the need for energy-efficient, high-density memory storage solutions have driven the exploration of novel materials and device architectures. 2D-TMDC semiconductors combined with ferroelectric materials offer unique opportunities for creating next-generation memory devices with ultra-low power consumption and high scalability. This PhD project aims to explore the fundamental properties of 2D semiconductor-ferroelectric heterostructures and develop innovative device concepts for memory storage applications.
The successful PhD candidate will work on the synthesis, characterisation, and device fabrication of 2D semiconductor-ferroelectric heterostructures, with a focus on understanding the interface physics, ferroelectric switching mechanisms, and their impact on memory device performance. The PhD project will involve close collaboration with leading researchers in the field and access to state-of-the-art facilities for materials synthesis, characterisation, and device fabrication.
About the Studentship
The PhD candidate will be offered a 4-year scholarship, based in the Tyndall National Institute (TNI)/University College Cork (UCC) laboratories. The PhD student will be part of a dynamic research team comprising PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, and research professionals. The research is supported by a suite of cutting-edge equipment and laboratory facilities, providing an excellent environment for scientific discovery and innovation.
The successful candidate will receive training in all research methods required for the project, including thin-film synthesis, advanced characterisation techniques and device fabrication. The PhD student will also have the opportunity to present their research at national and international conferences and publish in high-impact journals.
Key Responsibilities
This is a fully funded PhD position, with an annual stipend of €25,000 and coverage of university fees at the EU rate. The position is available for an immediate start, once academic approval has been received from University College, Cork.
For further information about the position, please contact Sabir Hussain.
Closing date of application is 25th April 2025.
ApplicationInstructions
Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief cover letter outlining how you meet the 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.
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.
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term
Tyndall National Institute is a leading European research centre in integrated ICT (Information and Communications Technology) hardware and systems, specialising in both electronics and photonics-materials, devices, circuits and systems. We are currently leading research programmes funded by Research Ireland Pathway Programme focussing on the on the development of 2D TMDC (transition metal dichalcogenide) semiconductor-ferroelectric heterostructures for device applications. This PhD project aligns with our mission to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to enable future technologies.
Project Overview
The rapid growth of data generation and the need for energy-efficient, high-density memory storage solutions have driven the exploration of novel materials and device architectures. 2D-TMDC semiconductors combined with ferroelectric materials offer unique opportunities for creating next-generation memory devices with ultra-low power consumption and high scalability. This PhD project aims to explore the fundamental properties of 2D semiconductor-ferroelectric heterostructures and develop innovative device concepts for memory storage applications.
The successful PhD candidate will work on the synthesis, characterisation, and device fabrication of 2D semiconductor-ferroelectric heterostructures, with a focus on understanding the interface physics, ferroelectric switching mechanisms, and their impact on memory device performance. The PhD project will involve close collaboration with leading researchers in the field and access to state-of-the-art facilities for materials synthesis, characterisation, and device fabrication.
About the Studentship
The PhD candidate will be offered a 4-year scholarship, based in the Tyndall National Institute (TNI)/University College Cork (UCC) laboratories. The PhD student will be part of a dynamic research team comprising PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, and research professionals. The research is supported by a suite of cutting-edge equipment and laboratory facilities, providing an excellent environment for scientific discovery and innovation.
The successful candidate will receive training in all research methods required for the project, including thin-film synthesis, advanced characterisation techniques and device fabrication. The PhD student will also have the opportunity to present their research at national and international conferences and publish in high-impact journals.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop novel synthetic methodologies for the growth of ferroelectric and TMDC nano-materials and thin films by chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
- Characterise the structural, electrical, and ferroelectric properties of the heterostructures using advanced techniques.
- Fabricate and analyse memory devices based on 2D semiconductor-ferroelectric heterostructures.
- Collaborate with internal and external researchers to advance the understanding of interface physics and device performance.
- Successfully complete the minimum required taught modules in technical subjects and transferable and generic skills.
- Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
- Regularly participate in public engagement and outreach activities.
- Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system.
- Ensure all activities are compliant with the required Health and Safety standards.
- Carry out any additional duties as may be reasonably required within the general scope and level of the post.
- A first-class honors degree (2:1 or higher) in physics, electronics, materials science, chemistry, or a related discipline.
- Strong background in solid-state physics, materials science, or semiconductor device physics.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- The candidate must be highly self-motivated, be able to demonstrate initiative and have a desire to learn.
- The candidate must possess good scientific writing and communication skills.
- A Masters degree in Physics, electronics, chemistry, or materials science or in a relevant field.
- Prior experience in thin-film synthesis, characterisation, or device fabrication.
- Knowledge of ferroelectric materials or 2D-TMDC semiconductors.
- Experience with atomic force microscopy-based techniques, Raman/ photoluminescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, or other materials characterisation techniques.
This is a fully funded PhD position, with an annual stipend of €25,000 and coverage of university fees at the EU rate. The position is available for an immediate start, once academic approval has been received from University College, Cork.
For further information about the position, please contact Sabir Hussain.
Closing date of application is 25th April 2025.
ApplicationInstructions
Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief cover letter outlining how you meet the 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.
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.
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