International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Application Engineer - Advanced Spintronic Nanofabrication Processes and New Device Concepts

Job Reference: Ref.02.25.412

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: R. Ferreira Research Group

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 19 months*

*extension of 5 months(to 24 months) pending project approval

Open Date for Applications: January 30th, 2025

Closing Date for Applications: March 16th, 2025, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #cleanroom #spintronic #nanofabricationprocesses #magnetictunneljunction #nanodevices

Overview

The R. Ferreira Research Group (Spintronics R. Ferreira Group - INL) is looking for a qualified motivated and experienced research engineer to reinforce the team of engineers to work on spintronic processes and devices within the INL cleanroom (Micro and Nanofabrication - INL) in the context of multiple research projects including, but not limited to, H2020-Pathfinder RadioSpin (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101017098) and H2020-RIA Nimfeia (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101070290).

The focus of the work will concern the development of new spintronic device concepts and advanced nanofabrication processes involving magnetic tunnel junctions that move the technological capacity of the research group well beyond the state-of-the-art in what concerns magnetic field sensing and RF nanodevices operating in a context of non-conventional computation.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Conduct exploratory tests towards the optimisation of critical micro and nanofabrication process steps used in the production of TMR devices in 200mm substrates. These might concern deposition (new MTJ stacks), lithography (pushing device areas down) or etching (new etching processes optimized for high density nano-pillars at minimum dimensions);
• Bulk characterisation of new MTJ stacks / new materials making use of CIPT (in-plane TMR measurements), VSM (magnetic characterization) and 4-point contact resistance measurements (resistivity and uniformity characterisation);
• Design fabrication process flows and produce run-sheets used in the micro and nanofabrication of MTJ devices for a multitude of different uses, and covering a wide range of specifications (from ultra-low noise magnetic field micro-sensors down to nano-oscillators in the sub-100nm range);
• Design masks compatible with the new process flows established (using AUTOCAD and similar toos), and produce hard masks when suitable (in-house or outsourcing);
• Micro and nanofabrication of optimised devices using the new process flows established, documenting all the process steps;
• Perform basic electrical measurement and characterisation tests to extract key figures of merit of the devices fabricated, and characterise the uniformity and yield of the new processes;
• Produce reports and analyse data extracted from the devices produced that enable a continuous improvement of the performance of several classes of devices;
• Make use of the devices, and engineers participating in the integration of such devices, at a system level (homogeneous and heterogeneous integration of MTJs devices), with CMOS;
• Homogeneous integration of MTJ devices with other technologies available at INL, including MEMS and 2D materials and devices;
• Integrate devices in data acquisition circuits feeding AI data processing and analysis.
• Strongly interact with people of different backgrounds, including those responsible for the micro and nanofabrication of standalone MTJ devices, PIs leading research projects.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• PhD in Physics, Physical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or any other relevant experience.

Experience and Technical Skills

• 3+ years of postdoc experience;
• Previous hands-on experience in micro and nanofabrication of Magnetic Tunnel Junction devices;
• Previous hands-on experience in electrical and magnetic characterisation of Magnetic Tunnel Junction;
• Track record of high quality publications.

Other Valued Skills and Experience

• Programming skills to automate data acquisition experiments (e.g., Labview, Matlab, Visual Studio) is valued;
• Experience in simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, micromagnetism simulators) is valued;
• Previous participation in collaborative international research projects is valued;
• Previous experience in the submission of competitive research proposals is valued.

Personal Skills

• “Hands-on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting working deadlines;
• Problem Solving ability;
• Customer orientation;
• Ability to work independently and as team player;
• Good communication skills.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary;
• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges;
• Private health insurance;
• Family allowances (according to family situation);
• Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability);
• Support for education fees of dependent children;
• Relocation support;
• 30 working days of annual leave.

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include the following mandatory documents:

a)     Cover letter

b)     Curriculum Vitae

c)      Academic and/or Professional diplomas

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button;
2. The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;
3. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above in pdf format by including them in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button.

Important note:

Incomplete applications including the failure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.

How the Selection Process works
 

A. Applications eligibility check

This stage will be carried out on the basis of the mandatory requirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will move forward to the next stage.

B. CV Assessment

The Selection Committee will evaluate the eligible applications based on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position. The best ranked candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage(s).

C. Interview(s)

The interview(s) may be done in different formats: video recording, online or onsite.

The question based interview will evaluate the match between the candidate’s profile and the requirements for the position, including the technical and personal skills. To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.

D. Nomination

The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions. 

Additional Information

Application feedback

We highly value your interest in becoming part of the INL experience and it is important for us to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of and duties based on any possible discriminatory issues.

The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice in order to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process.

About INL

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL (http://www.inl.int), is the first and only Intergovernmental Organisation in the world entirely focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

It was founded under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.