PhD Research Fellow in Applied Micro- and Nanosystems
Deadline: 01.08.2022
University of South-Eastern Norway
The University of South-Eastern Norway, USN, is one of Norway’s largest higher education institutions, with around 18,000 students and 1,900 employees across eight different campuses.
We offer studies, research and knowledge dissemination, all targeting various professions and working life and with a high level of quality internationally. Our goal as a University is to create value both for the individual student and for business and commerce, the public sector and society in general. We achieve this by utilising the best tools we have: education and research.
USN is a University with a strong social commitment where studies and working life are integrated. At USN, we focus on practice-relevant, profession-oriented and applied research and education.
The students shall benefit from innovative educational methods and challenging studies closely associated with society's requirements and needs.
They will learn how to adapt to a society and working life that is constantly changing. The University shall meet major social challenges with knowledge and expertise, helping to promote practical solutions, structural changes and new ways of thinking. USN’s academic activities shall be embodied by a clear dedication to the UN’s sustainable development goals. The University aims to realise this main profile in close cooperation with society and working life.
For more information on USN, please go to www.usn.no
The Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences have a vacancy for a position as PhD Research Fellow in Applied Micro- and Nanosystems
About the position
The Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences has a vacancy for a position as PhD Research Fellow in Applied Micro- and Nanosystems from 01.09.2022. Start up from fall 2022 is possible for successful applicants finishing the master project spring 2022.
The position is attached to the Department of Science and Industry Systems and reports to the Head of Department. The place of employment is campus Kongsberg, Norway.
About the PhD-project
Carbon Nanotube (CNT) is one of the ideal semiconducting materials for transistor channels due to their extraordinary material properties and one-dimensional structure that enables ballistic transport of carriers resulting in very high current density (~2.4 mA/μm). With the continuous need of improving transistor performance, CNTFET technology can provide a multi-generational leap in performance and reduction in power consumption. CNTFETs also have the potential to optimize digital systems through multi-valued logic (MVL) design. In2005, Raychowdhury and Roy proposed a new voltage-mode ternary logic family using multidiameter CNTFETs. In their simulation work, they show that ternary (three state) signal transitions can be performed with molecular devices that are deemed a candidate successor of silicon MOSFET. With binary transistors approaching physical scaling limits, alternative radices including analog computing are gaining popularity with ternary being the theoretically optimal radix (radix economy theorem). This post-binary advantage has been demonstrated in communication technology and commercial memory devices but not yet in logic devices due to fabrication difficulties. The project goal is fabrication of PMOS CNTFETs for demonstrating ternary logic circuits. This project is a cumulative effort from all three technology development departments at USN, and the project work within this inter-campus collaboration aligns with AMN programme through the focus of the research groups: Cyber Physical and Applied Smart Systems (Kongsberg), Materials and Micro-integration (Vestfold), SMART Research Group (Porsgrunn) and The Ternary Research Group (Kongsberg)
Appointment is for a period of three years. The position does not include teaching duties.
Qualifications
Applicants to the PhD position must have a Master’s degree (120 ECTS) equivalent higher education qualifications in micro- and nanotechnology, system integration, physics, material science or closely related subjects.
The degree must be accomplished before application deadline. However, students in the process of finalizing their degree before the scheduled commencement of the position may also apply and can be offered a position conditioned on a satisfactory result.
The candidate must have the ability to work independently and at the same time have the motivation to share knowledge and take part in team work. Personal suitability for the post will be emphasised.
It is a requirement that the successful applicant is granted admission to the university’s doctoral programme in Applied Micro- and Nanosystems within three months of accession in the position. Admission to the program requires a weighted average grade of B or higher from Master's degree, in addition to grade B at the final master project.
Co-operation between staff members is an integrated part of the working atmosphere at the University of South-Eastern Norway. The candidate must be motivated and demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively within a team and in a collegiate manner to formulate and realise common objectives.
Specific requirements for the position are described below:
Microsystems (design and chip fabrication), simulation and design of semi-conductors (die-level and/or wafer-level), materials science, physics, characterization techniques, testing.
Ability to perform experimental work is crucial. Ability to perform computer modelling such as finite element modelling is an advantage.
Good analytical and theoretical skills, as well as creative thinking and communications skills are advantageous.
Motivation for working with the topic.
Applicants are required to provide evidence of good English language skills, both writing and speaking. Applicants outside the Scandinavian educational system may use one of the following tests as such documentation: IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), or other recognized certificates.
We offer
A stimulating and growing research environment, with good opportunities to develop your career and your academic skills
Opportunity for physical activities within working hours
Salary
PhD Research Fellow (code 1017): NOK 491 200 a year. Further promotion will be based on time served in the position.
In special cases, employment in code 1378 may be considered. Salary NOK 491 200 - 626 100 a year.
A statutory contribution to the state pension plan will be deducted from the employee’s salary.
Other information
The Academic Appointments Board for PhD Research Fellowships is responsible for the appointment. An expert assessment of applicants will be carried out. The candidates deemed best qualified will be invited to an interview.
The person appointed must comply with the laws, regulations and agreements that apply at any given time to the post. Please note that approved work permit is a prerequisite for the employment.
The research area for the position may include technologies referred in the Ministry's export control regulations. For your information relevant license or security clearances may therefore be required.
According to its human resources policy, the University of South-Eastern Norway targets a balanced gender composition and aims to recruit persons with a background as an immigrant.
There are few women employed in research positions at the Department, therefore women are particularly encouraged to apply.
The University contributes to the Inkluderingsdugnaden (a voluntary scheme to promote inclusion), and it is our aim that our employees, to the fullest extent possible, shall reflect the diversity of the general population. We therefore encourage qualified applicants with disabilities to apply for the post. The University will facilitate the workplace for employees with disabilities.
Pursuant to section 25, 2nd paragraph of the Freedom of Information Act, information on the applicant may be disclosed even if the applicant has requested not be included on the list of applicants. Applicants will be notified if such requests are not allowed.
Contact information
For more information about the position, please contact:
Associate professor Henning Gundersen, phone: +47 31 00 90 99 at Department of Science and Industry systems or professor Knut Aasmundtveit, phone: +47 31 00 93 19 at Department of microsystems
For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact:
HR Advisor Kari L. Foss-Pedersen, email: kari.foss-pedersen@usn.no
How to apply
The University of South-Eastern Norway makes use of online application management. Applicants to the post must register their application and CV with enclosures online via the Jobbnorge recruitment portal by clicking on the link on the right-hand side – “Søk stillingen” (Apply for the post).
The following documents shall be attached to the online application:
Transcripts and diplomas of Bachelor's and Master's Degrees (120 ECTS)
Master's thesis (if the master thesis is completed at the time of the application)
A 1-page project description or motivation letter
Any scientific publications and a list of these
Three references (contact information)
Please note that all documents must be in a Scandinavian language or in English. Any translations must be certified.
The application will be assessed on the basis of the attached documentation as requested above. Each applicant is responsible for ensuring that the required documentation has been uploaded with the application deadline.
The University has been awarded a Charter & Code certificate by the European Commission, and is entitled to use the HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) logo. The University is also a member of the EURAXESS network, which contributes to good working conditions for mobile researchers.
