Job Information
Organisation/Company: Université de Sherbrooke
Department: Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation (3IT)
Research Field: Engineering » Mechanical engineering; Engineering » Materials engineering; Engineering » Chemical engineering
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: PhD Positions
Application Deadline: 30 Dec 2026 - 00:48 (America/Toronto)
Country: Canada
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 35
Offer Starting Date: 1 Jan 2027
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Context:
Advanced packaging technologies are at the core of the microelectronics revolution and play a key role in areas such as artificial intelligence, aerospace, and high performance computing. Among these technologies, Fan Out Wafer Level Packaging (FOWLP) stands out for its high interconnection density and efficient use of space, enabling more compact and powerful systems.
Hybrid bonding, combining polymer dielectrics with metallic interconnections, is a crucial enabling step. However, copper based approaches face challenges related to oxidation and high processing temperatures. This PhD project proposes to explore alternative metallurgies for low temperature hybrid bonding, contributing to the development of future microelectronic technologies.
You will work in a collaborative and stimulating environment within 3IT and C2MI, two centers of excellence where researchers, students, and industry partners innovate together, offering unique opportunities for professional development and global impact.
Topic:
This thesis aims to explore alternatives to copper for metallic bonding in polymer based hybrid bonding processes, in order to enable low temperature bonding for advanced packaging applications such as Fan Out Wafer Level Packaging (FOWLP).
The main tasks include:
- Conducting at focused literature review on copper oxidation challenges and alternative metals suitable for low temperature bonding.
- Developing and characterizing alternative metallurgies for interconnections, ensuring compatibility with the adhesive dielectric material and low electrical resistance.
- Optimizing protection strategies for copper interconnections, such as barrier layers or coatings, to prevent oxidation and improve wettability.
- Defining and optimizing die to wafer (D2W) bonding process conditions to achieve a reliable and high performance bonding interface.
- Performing morphological, electrical, and mechanical characterizations to evaluate adhesion quality and interface robustness.
By the end of this thesis, the candidate will have established an innovative low temperature hybrid bonding process based on alternative metallurgies, contributing to advances in high density interconnection technologies for next generation microelectronic systems.
Work Supervision:
This PhD thesis will be supervised by Prof. Dominique Drouin as part of the IBM/NSERC Research Chair in Heterogeneous Multi Chip Integration for High Performance Computing. The doctoral research will be conducted at the 3IT (Université de Sherbrooke) and the C2MI (Bromont), two centers of excellence offering state of the art facilities and a unique collaborative environment. This setting fosters innovation, hands on cleanroom training, and active participation in industrial research projects, while promoting diversity and inclusion. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with multidisciplinary teams and to develop skills that are highly valued in both industry and advanced research.
Where to apply
E-mail: inpaqt@usherbrooke.ca
Requirements
Research Field: Engineering » Mechanical engineering
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Engineering » Materials engineering
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Engineering » Chemical engineering
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Desired Profile:
- Required qualifications: Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Chemistry or related field.
- Key skills: Microfabrication, surface characterization, and knowledge of metallurgy and polymers.
- Personal qualities: Autonomy, adaptability, strong teamwork skills, and a keen interest in experimental research and innovation.
- Assets: Knowledge of integration processes and advanced microelectronic packaging.
- Languages: Ability to communicate effectively in French or English, both orally and in writing.
Specific Requirements
Microfabrication, surface characterization, and knowledge of metallurgy and polymers
Languages: FRENCH - Good; ENGLISH - Good
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada (QC)
Country: Canada
State/Province: Quebec
City: Sherbrooke
Postal Code: J1K 2R1
Street: 2500 boulevard de l'Université
Contact
State/Province: Quebec
City: Sherbrooke
Website: https://www.usherbrooke.ca/3it
Street: 3000 Boul. Universite
Postal Code: J1K 0A5
E-Mail: jobnano@usherbrooke.ca
Phone: 819-821-8000
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