Reliability researcher

Enabling new technologies through device reliability characterization and modelling

What you will do

Tremendous developments in semi-conductor industry led to a wide range of different applications, where both advanced MOSFET or III/V devices are being researched. Si(Ge)-based MOSFETs are mainly used in logic and memory applications with a main focus on speed and density, respectively. GaN and III/V devices are mainly employed in the domain of wireless communication technology and power switching. One of the major hurdles of the large-scale integration of these devices is to understand their reliability degradation mechanisms and to guarantee their required lifetime during operation. Although the specifics depend on the device architecture, technology and application, a common thing is that obtaining a fundamental understanding of the kinetics of charge trapping in defects in various interfaces and material is crucial.
The researcher will work in the front-end reliability team at imec. He/she will have mainly two responsibilities:

• First, the researcher will characterize new GaN and/or InP based transistors and develop degradation models for these devices. This activity will comprise standard DC characterization and, on a later stage, measurements within high frequency operating regimes (30GHz – 300GHz). The researcher will aim to ultimately transfer these fundamental insights for improved circuit- and system-level design of RF-FEMs (front-end-modules) such as power amplifiers (PAs), low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) and RF switches.
• Second, within the more general front-end reliability team activity, the researcher will help developing and implementing new functionalities in the reliability model software Comphy®. This technology-agnostic software is widely used by imec reliability researchers to model device degradation and forecast its lifetime.

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth. 

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits. 

Who you are

• The applicant must have:
• A PhD in physics or electrical engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of MOSFET or GaN reliability.
• In-depth knowledge of semiconductor device physics.
• Excellent programming skills (Python, Matlab and/or Perl).
• Team player spirit: within this multiscale cross-disciplinary project, the researcher will be part of a large imec group working in collaboration with industrial partners.
• Experience in RF characterization, big data analysis and software testing/implementation are also important, but not mandatory.