PhD Position in 2D Materials: Investigating Grain Boundary Effects on Device Performance
Contract : Full Time/Fixed Term
Position Overview
Tyndall National Institute, Ireland’s largest Research and Technology Organisation (RTO), is a flagship institute of University College Cork. Specialising in both electronics and photonics, Tyndall collaborates with global industry and academia to transform cutting-edge research into real-world products across a range of sectors including electronics, communications, energy, health, agri-tech, and the environment.
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the 2D Materials And Devices Engineering (2D-MADE) Research Team within the Nanoelectronics Materials and Devices (NMD) Group at Tyndall National Institute. The 2D-MADE team is a dynamic group comprising PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, and research professionals working on cutting-edge research in 2D materials.
The research project will focus on the impact of grain boundaries (GBs) in large-area grown transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as MoS2 and WSe2. One of the main challenges with large-area grown 2D materials is the presence of GBs, which significantly affect their electronic properties. The successful candidate will investigate how these GBs influence the performance of TMD-based devices, particularly in the context of ultra-scaled CMOS technology. The research will encompass metrology development, device fabrication, and electrical characterisation, aiming to correlate defect structures with device performance and examine how these defects impact carrier transport. The project will involve close collaboration with the theoretical experts in the team, employing first-principles simulations.
In partnership with Intel, this research will contribute to the development of next-generation 2D materials for high-performance and low-power applications. The PhD candidate will engage in the design and fabrication of test structures and advanced TMD-based devices, analyse the effects of GBs, and explore optimisation strategies for TMD material growth. The project will provide an opportunity to work with state-of-the-art experimental methods, collaborating with Intel as the industrial partner and the project’s academic collaborators to address this critical challenge in 2D materials and guide the optimisation of TMD materials for integration into semiconductor manufacturing.
The position is a 4-year fully funded PhD position, offering an annual stipend of €25,000. The position is available for an immediate start, once academic approval has been received from University College Cork.
Key Responsibilities
* Conduct literature reviews on the possible GB structures in TMD materials and benchmark new data against existing knowledge
* Fabricate specific test structures and devices from TMD films using Tyndall’s state-of-the-art fabrication facilities
* Perform detailed structural and electrical characterisation of the TMD films and the fabricated TMD-based devices
* Contribute to the development of metrology to characterise GB defects in TMD films
* Partner effectively with the project’s industrial and academic partners to advance the project
* Rigorously disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
* Successfully complete the required taught modules in technical subjects related to the research project
* Engage in appropriate training and development opportunities to enhance transferable skills, career and reputation
* Regularly participate in public engagement and outreach activities
* Ensure all activities comply with the Tyndall Quality Management system
* Ensure all activities comply with the required Health and Safety standards
* Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post
Essential Criteria
* Undergraduate degree in physics, materials science, chemistry, or a related field, with a keen interest in nanoelectronics and 2D materials
* Achieved a 2:1 or higher in their undergraduate degree to be eligible for the studentship
* Highly self-motivated, able to demonstrate initiative, and have a strong desire to learn
* Flexible in working conditions, particularly with respect to the equipment’s busy schedules
* Possess excellent scientific writing and communication skills for effectively disseminating research findings through publications and presentations
* Demonstrated ability to work impartially and as part of a team
Desirable Criteria
* First-class honours (1:1) in their undergraduate degree
* A Master's degree in physics, materials science, chemistry, or a related field
* Prior experience in patterning structures using electron-beam lithography (EBL)
* Experience in TMD-based device fabrication and/or transfer of grown 2D films
* Proven knowledge of the physics of carrier transport through TMDs
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Farzan Gity.
Closing date of application is 2nd of May 2025.
Application Instructions
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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