PhD Research Fellow in Applied Micro- and Nanosystems
Deadline: 09.10.2022
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 01.11.2022.
The position is located at the Department of Microsystems and reports to the Head of Department. The place of employment is Campus Vestfold in Horten, Norway.
The employment period will be three years of full time with no teaching obligations, and there is a premise for employment that the PhD Research Fellow is enrolled in USN’s PhD program in Applied Micro- and Nanosystems within three months of accession in the position.
About the PhD-project
Bonding technologies for assembly of systems including microelectronics and microtechnology are crucial for ensuring optimal performance and reliability of devices. SLID (Solid-Liquid InterDiffusion) is a bonding technique based on intermetallic compounds (IMCs), with the important property of tolerating higher temperatures than the bonding temperature. This enables use for high-temperature applications such as instrumentation in oil wells, engines, and thermoelectric generators, where traditional soldering would melt. SLID bonding can also enable low-temperature bonding (~100 o C) that can tolerate substantial temperatures. SLID bonding gives well-defined, thin, metallurgical bonding, attractive e.g. for hermetic sealing of cavities, and for joining layers in ultrasound transducers. Furthermore, SLID bonding is well suited for fine-pitch assembly.
USN has more than a decade history of internationally recognized research in SLID bonding. This project will make use of the existing collaboration with the X-ray physics group at NTNU (Trondheim, Norway) for non-destructive characterization of the obtained bonds.
Qualifications
Applicants to the PhD position must have a Master’s degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent higher education qualifications in micro- and nanosystems technology, system integration, physics, material science or closely related subjects.
The degree must be accomplished before application deadline. An exception is made for students in process of finalizing their degree this semester who may also apply.
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. For admission to the Programme the weighted average grade is B or higher is usually required.
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.
The applicant must document that he / she is fluent in English orally and in writing.
The successful candidate will a member of the research group “Materials and Microintegration” at Department of Microsystems, USN. The group has long experience with packaging technologies including materials, assembly, integration, characterization, and testing. The group has substantial collaboration with industrial partners in Norway as well as international partners. The successful candidate will be closely connected with the research group of X-ray physics at NTNU.
Specific requirements for the position are described below.
We are looking for a person with knowledge and experience in several of the following fields: microsystems (design and microfabrication), assembly and integration of MEMS devices (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 final element modelling is an advantage.
Good analytical and theoretical skills, as well as creative thinking and communication skills are advantageous.
Candidates in the process of finishing their degree may receive an offer conditioned on a satisfactory final result and will then be required to submit their final transcripts and diploma at a later stage.
We offer
A stimulating and growing research environment, with good opportunities to develop your career and your academic skills
PhD Research Fellow (code 1017): NOK 491 200 a year. Further promotion will be based on time served in the position.
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.
According to its human resources policy, the University of South-Eastern Norway targets a balanced gender composition. The Department has few women appointed in scientific positions, and women are therefore particularly encouraged to apply.
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:
Professor Knut Aasmundtveit, email/phone: knut.aasmundtveit@usn.no / +47 31009319
Associate professor Hoang-Vu Nguyen, email/phone: hoang.v.nguyen@usn.no / +47 31009658
Professor II Dag W. Breiby, email/phone: dag.breiby@ntnu.no / +47 35933594
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
A motivation letter
Documentation of english proficiency
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.
