Job Description
Conducting research for a changing society: This is what drives us at Forschungszentrum Jülich. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, we aim to tackle the grand societal challenges of our time and conduct research into the possibilities of a digitized society, a climate-friendly energy system, and a resource-efficient economy. Work together with around 7,400 employees in one of Europe's biggest research centers and help us to shape change!
Dealing with the challenges imposed by climate change demands the realization of extremely energy-efficient hardware for future cognitive and self-learning IT systems. This requires disruptive concepts involving new non-volatile storage devices and innovative circuit designs to overcome the performance limits of today's computers. Memristive devices inherently combine the ability to process and to store data in the same physical place, which eliminates the need for large data movement. The mission of Peter Grünberg Institute – Electronic Materials (PGI-7) (fz-juelich.de/de/pgi/pgi-7) is to create a scientific technological basis to make energy-efficient neuromorphic computing inspired by the functioning of the human brain usable. We focus on developing memristive devices based on the physical-chemical understanding of the switching phenomena, improving performance and reliability as we scale, and implementing crossbar-architectures for in-memory computing and energy-efficient NC circuits.
Join our team from March 1, 2025, as
Postdoc – Memristive Devices for Co-Integration with Neuromorphic Computing Chips
This position focuses on design and fabrication of metal-oxide-based memristive devices, the co-integration with silicon chips, and testing of the neuromorphic building blocks. Your tasks in detail are:
- Design, fabrication, optimization, and physical analysis of nano-structured memristive devices based on transition metal oxides using CMOS-compatible process technology
- Co-integration of the devices on top of foundry-manufactured neuromorphic chips, including layout tasks and process modifications reaching a high yield and device uniformity
- Electrical characterization of the devices and small NC-circuits regarding defined use cases, including the development of Python code
- Demonstration of neuromorphic principles on the co-integrated memristor-silicon chips
- Demonstration of the ability of the co-integrated circuits for learning algorithms – in collaboration with partners from the consortium
- Publication of results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentation at project meetings and conferences
- Excellent master's degree and PhD in Physics, Material Science, or Electrical Engineering with focus on nanoelectronics and nanotechnology
- Profound knowledge of solid state physics and semiconductor physics and technology
- Team-oriented and highly motivated personality for learning and working in an experimental laboratory
- Independence and the willingness to make a major commitment, characterized by a very reliable and conscientious working style and a strong ability to work in a team
- Practical experience in laboratory work, preferably working in a clean room
- Experience in programming, preferably with Python
- Fluent speaking and writing skills in English and German
Please feel free to apply for the position even if you do not have all the required skills and knowledge. We may be able to teach you missing skills during your introduction. To apply, please submit a complete CV, letter of motivation, university degree records (bachelor's and master's degree and PhD certificate).
We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:
- Comprehensive training courses and individual opportunities for personal and professional further development
- Extensive company health management
- Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy
- Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g., remote work
- Flexible working hours in a full-time position with the option of slightly reduced working hours (go.fzj.de/near-full-time)
- 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g., between Christmas and New Year)
- A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
- Targeted services for international employees, e.g., through our International Advisory Service
In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: go.fzj.de/benefits.
This position is limited until November 14, 2026. Salary and social benefits will conform to the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund), pay group 13, depending on the applicant's qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks assigned to them. All information about the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) can be found on the BMI website: go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed. The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 66 of the PDF download.
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