Doctoral student in Electrical Engineering focusing on computation with neuromorphic (RRAM) memory elements 

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Description of the workplace

The position is at the Department of Electrical and Information Technology and in the Division of Electromagnetics and Nanoelectronics. The division has 15 senior researchers and 15 doctoral students and has collaboration with industry. Within the department we work in a broad field ranging from semiconductor components, nanotechnology, electronics, and electromagnetic computations.

Project description

The focus for this position is to study RRAM memory elements in scaled geometries and to use these for neuromorphic calculations (in-memory calculations). Modeling of the dynamic transistor and device properties will be important, and a goal is to reduce the power consumption for computation applications. Applications are found in communication technology, quantum applications and radar technology.

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The studies will focus on experimental processing of transistors and memory elements on a III-V platform at highly scaled geometries. Both manufacturing and electrical characterization of materials and devices will be included. The development of new concepts for transistor calculations. The studies will take place within the framework of a European collaboration project.

The research will primarily involve:

• Fabrication and characterization of vertical III-V transistors in cleanroom environment in Lund Nano Lab (lund-nano-lab).
• Electrical characterization of fabricated devices.
• Design of RRAM elements with adequate thermal properties.
• Modelling and simulation of device and component characteristics, as well as interaction with circuit designers. 

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Electrical Engineering if the applicant has: 

• at least 60 second-cycle credits in subjects of relevance to electrical engineering, or
• a MSc in Engineering in biomedical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, engineering mathematics, nanoengineering, engineering physics or information and communication engineering.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Very good knowledge of one or several subjects related to semiconductor physics, or memory.
• Experimental experience from state-of-the-art semiconductor processing. 

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following: 

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Courses or demonstrated knowledge in device physics.
• Knowledge from experimental research, e.g. clean room work and electrical device characterization.
• Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and 
  independence and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third-cycle programme.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. 
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Terms of employment 

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20 % departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.
The start date is as soon as possible according to agreement, however no later than February 1, 2025.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Welcome to apply!

LTH is Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering. At LTH we educate people, build knowledge for the future and work hard for the development of society. We create space for brilliant research and inspire creative advancements in technology, architecture and design. We have nearly 10,000 students. Every year, our researchers – many of whom work in world-leading profile areas – publish around 100 theses and 2 000 scientific findings. In addition, many of our research and degree projects are transformed into innovations. Together we explore and create – to benefit the world.

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1. Lars-Erik Wernersson, Professor, +46462229003

1. OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-2229362
2. SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, kansli@saco-s.lu.se
3. SEKO: Seko Civil, 046-2229366