PhD Research Fellow in multi-level resistive memory cells for ternary computing

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Dennard scaling has ended and Moore's law is slowing down. What if we could do more with fewer devices by moving beyond binary? This PhD offers you the chance to fabricate emerging memory devices and work at the frontier of post-binary electronics.

About the position

The Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences invites applications for a 100% PhD Research Fellow position in fabrication and characterization of multi-level resistive memory technology. The position is a three-year, full-time research appointment with no teaching obligations.

The doctoral programme in Technology comprises approximately six months (30 ECTS) of coursework, an article-based thesis demonstrating independent research, active participation in national and international research environments, research dissemination, a trial lecture, and public defence. Read more in our PhD handbook. Admission to the Faculty's doctoral programme in Technology must be applied for and granted within three months of starting the position.

The place of work is at Campus Vestfold (Raveien 215, Borre, Norway. Located on campus is the MST-lab, part of the national NorFab infrastructure for fabrication and characterization. Your personnel manager will be Marius Tannum (Head of department, Microsystems, Campus Vestfold).

About the doctoral project

Resistive memory (ReRAM, also known as memristors) has matured rapidly. It offers fast writes at lower power, has high endurance and non-volatile retention. Recently Nordic Semiconductor released the nRF54L microcontroller series which feature binary ReRAM to replace flash memory at scale. Multi-level operation, however, remains challenging with device-to-device and cycle-to-cycle variation, state drift, read disturbs and non-linear multi-state programming. This PhD project aims to address these issues by fabricating and characterizing ReRAM cells optimized for balanced ternary (symbols -1, 0 and 1), storing ~58% more information per cell than binary. This enables exciting applications like ternary neural networks, ultra-efficient event-based cameras, high-density storage and mixed-radix 3D SoCs.

Building on our preliminary work with 3-level ReRAM devices you will mainly work on task 1, with a possibility to work on task 2 in parallel.

Task 1: Fabrication of ternary ReRAM cells. ReRAM cells are metal-insulator-metal (MIM) stacks that can be deposited by sputtering or atomic layer deposition. Making a functional multi-level device that is reliable with three (or powers of three) well separated resistance levels and is reproducible at wafer scale is the main challenge. You will fabricate and characterize the devices in USN's MST fab in Vestfold and can use other Norfab cleanroom infrastructure if necessary. Extensive characterization activities (pulsed and DC I-V, retention, endurance, device-to-device variability, etc.) are expected using automated measurements setups and with carefully designed experiments to turn the raw data into publishable insights.

Task 2: Design of an on/off-chip ternary ReRAM controller. You will design mixed-signal, mixed-radix circuitry for writing and reading radix-3 states on commercially available ReRAM devices with the devices from task 1 as the long-term target. The digital control logic for radix-3 states can be written in ternary HDL using our group's EDA tools (MRCS Studio) and ternary RTL-to-GDS synthesis flows. For this task you will use commercial foundries to tape-out and validate correct operation for a selection of suitable ReRAM devices.

You will join USN's Ternary Research Group, founded in 2019 by Assoc. Prof. Steven Bos and Assoc. Prof. Henning Gundersen. The research group provides an active research environment which includes MSc students and PhD research fellows working on carbon nanotube-based (CNTFET) switching devices and sensors compatible with ternary logic.

Where to apply

Website: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/309198/phd-research-fellow-in-multi-level-resistive-memory-cells-for-ternary-computing

Requirements

• Research Field: Engineering » Other — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
• Research Field: Technology » Other — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
• Research Field: Physics » Other — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Qualifications
Eligibility Requirements:

• A Master's degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent higher education qualifications in Micro/Nanoelectronics, Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics or related fields.
• The master's degree must have been obtained by the application deadline for the position.
• Strong background in electronics, chip design, microfabrication and / or material science.
• Weighted average grade of B or higher on the master's degree and thesis.
• Excellent written and spoken English with documented proficiency.

Ideal applicants have:

• Hands-on experience in cleanroom environment for microfabrication or comprehensive knowledge of microfabrication fundamentals.
• Good understanding of CMOS chip design flows, or proficiency in relevant EDA tools such as Cadence Virtuoso, (H)SPICE simulation
• Experience in electrical characterization (probe station, DC and pulsed I-V, retention and endurance testing, instrument automation)
• Experience writing Verilog-A and/or RTL in (System)Verilog or VHDL
• Relevant master's thesis or major projects aligned with the PhD project, for example in memristive devices, emerging non-volatile memory, mixed-signal design or microfabrication

Applicants should document which of these qualifications they possess. Any experience with multiple valued logic and/or AI tools for chip design and verification is counted as positive.

It is a requirement that the successful applicant is granted admission to the university's doctoral programme in technology within three months of accession in the position. For admission to the Programme the weighted average grade is B or higher is usually required.

The applicant must have the ability to work independently and at the same time have the motivation to share knowledge and take part in teamwork. Personal suitability for the post will be emphasized.

Co-operation between staff members is an integrated part of the working atmosphere at the University of South-Eastern Norway. The applicant must be motivated and demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively within a team and in a collegiate manner to formulate and realize common objectives.

Personal qualities

• Strongly motivated and ambitious.
• Be structured, targeted and solution oriented.
• The successful applicant should be creative and actively contribute to the team he/she will be part of.
• Have good dissemination skills.
• Personal skills like a positive and friendly attitude and contributing to a sustainable social environment will also be valued.

Specific Requirements

Requirements regarding export licence
For the position, an export license is required, and the applicant must meet the requirements for this. You can read more about export licenses on DEKSA's website.

Requirements for proficiency in English
This position requires good English language skills. International applicants must document this with a valid certificate from one of the following tests. Specific requirements regarding grades can be found on our webpage English requirement for programmes and subjects taught in English at USN.

• TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test (IBT)
• IELTS – International English Language Testing Service
• Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) from the University of Cambridge
• PTE Academic – Pearson Test of English Academic

The following applicants are exempt from the requirements listed above:

• Applicants with one year of completed university studies in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, UK or USA
• Applicants who have completed a master's degree with English as the language of instruction in an EU or EEA country
• Applicants who are exempt based on the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir)'s GSU list (Higher Education Entrance Qualification for foreign applicants)

Applicants from Norway can confirm their English language skills by submitting their upper secondary school diploma.

Languages: ENGLISH — Level: Good

Research Field: Engineering » Other; Technology » Other; Physics » Other
Years of Research Experience: None

Additional Information

Benefits

• A stimulating and growing research environment
• Careers advice and guidance throughout the entire doctoral programme. Together we will draw up a career plan that includes the skills and knowledge you will acquire
• An inclusive working environment with ambitious colleagues
• The opportunity to take Norwegian language courses
• Salary in accordance with the Norwegian State salary scale for PhD research fellows (position code 1017) NOK 550,800. Any further increases in pay grade will be based on length of service in the position
• Deductions will be made from your salary in order to make statutory contributions to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund on your behalf
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, ensuring favourable pension, insurance and loan schemes

Eligibility criteria

When assessing applications, particular importance will be attached to

• Formal qualifications
• The scientific quality, research relevance and degree of innovation of the project
• The relevance of the project to the profile of the doctoral programme
• The personal qualities mentioned above

Requirements regarding export licence
For the position, an export license is required, and the applicant must meet the requirements for this. You can read more about export licenses on DEKSA's website.

Diversity
We believe diversity is a strength in our work and learning environment. Different experiences and backgrounds contribute to better solutions for the challenges we aim to solve.

We are committed to respecting individual differences and accommodating employees with disabilities. We consider your needs and situation during different stages of life.

If this position interests you, we encourage you to apply regardless of gender, disability, cultural background, or whether you have had a career break.

Qualified candidates with disabilities, employment gaps, or immigrant backgrounds will be invited to an interview. If you identify with one of these groups, you may indicate this in our job portal.

Selection process

The Appointment Committee for Fellowship Positions (TUS) is the appointing authority for this position. Your competence for the position will be assessed by an expert committee. The expert committee will assess your competence for the position based on the documentation you have registered in Jobbnorge.

Based on the expert committee's assessment, relevant applicants will be invited to an interview and to hold a trial lecture. References will also be obtained for relevant applicants.

Employment at USN is carried out in accordance with the principles set out in the Norwegian Civil Service Act, and the legislation that regulates the export of knowledge, technology and services. If your application is considered to be in conflict with the criteria in the latter legislation, it will be rejected without further consideration.

The University's Guidelines for recruitment positions at the University of South-Eastern Norway (Guidelines for recruitment positions) provide a more detailed description of the criteria for appointment as a PhD research fellow.

As an employee of USN, you must at all times adapt to changes in the field and all organisational changes that are adopted.

Additional comments

If you think this position looks interesting and matches your qualifications, you can submit an application electronically by clicking on "Apply for the position" on this page. Here you will need to enter a short application text and information about your relevant education and work experience. In the application text, you must clearly describe your skills and motivation for the position.

The application must include:

• Cover letter outlining the motivation (1 page) and a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Applicants must submit a preliminary research proposal with the application. The project description for the research project should be short and concise, maximum 2–3 pages (600-900 words). See further descriptions in the "Template for project descriptions for doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships at USN" (Project description):
  1. Introduction (the title, main problem and research questions and the background to the project)
  2. State of the art (the project's research field)
  3. Theory
  4. Methodology
  5. Work plan
  6. Results and hypotheses
  7. Bibliography
  • Applications with a project description exceeding 900 words will not be processed.
  • The project proposal will be included in the assessment of the applicant's competence.
• Certified diplomas for your bachelor's and master's degrees (120 ECTS). The diplomas must be in a Scandinavian language or English
  • Applicants with higher education completed outside Norway must provide documentation that the education has been recognised and approved by the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) You must submit your application for approval before the position's application deadline. Attach a receipt or decision when applying. The approval must be forwarded once available and is a requirement for employment.
• An explanation of the grading system for foreign education (diploma supplement if available)
• Your master's thesis. If your master's thesis was a collaborative project, you must submit a short statement detailing your involvement
• Other relevant certificates and diplomas
• Documentation of your English language skills
  • Language proficiency in English can be documented in the following ways (see above: Requirements for proficiency in English)
• List of any scholarly publications
• Contact information for up to three references

The application will be assessed based on the information available in Jobbnorge at the expiry of the application deadline. Make sure your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the competence requirements described in the job advertisement.

When assessing who is best qualified for the position, we attach weight to education, experience and personal qualities.

All documentation must be provided in a Scandinavian language or English. If the attachments exceed 30 MB in total, they must be compressed before uploading.

Please note that information about you as an applicant may be disclosed publicly even if you have requested not to be included on the public list of applicants (cf. Section 25 of the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act). You will be notified if your request for exemption from public disclosure is denied.

We only consider applications and attachments registered in Jobbnorge. On request, you must be able to provide certified copies of your documentation.

Website for additional job details: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/309198/phd-research-fellow-in-multi-level-resistive-memory-cells-for-ternary-computing

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: The Department of Microsystems at the Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences
• Country: Norway
• State/Province: Vestfold
• City: Borre
• Postal Code: 3184
• Street: Raveien 215