PhD Sub Nanosecond Imaging of Operating Microelectronic Devices by X-ray Diffraction Microscopy

European Synchrotron Radiation Facility; France; Sur place; EUR 32 000 - 46 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

International collaboration

Relocation support to Grenoble

Live in Grenoble city

Résumé du poste

European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) invites applications for a PhD- thesis position in physics/engineering. The project focuses on sub-nanosecond imaging of operating microelectronic devices by X-ray diffraction microscopy at ID01 beamline.

The successful candidate will collaborate with European groups to probe thermomechanical behaviour in SiGe(Sn) heterostructures. The role requires a background in X-ray diffraction or electronics, programming with Python, and a clear ability to

Qualifications

• Background in X-ray diffraction or electronics desirable.
• Programming knowledge (Python) would be an advantage.
• Teamwork, clear communication and prioritisation are essential in a synchrotron environment.
• Degree allowing enrolment for a PhD (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent). Minimum degree level may vary between universities.
• Diploma must be provided at the time of application; official certificate may be required later for enrolment in a doctoral school.
• Proficiency in English; B2 level proof required unless origin is a native-English-speaking country.
• Mobility rule: candidates must not have resided or worked in host country in last 3 years.
• All researchers recruited must be doctoral candidates, not yet holding a doctoral degree.
• Must satisfy enrolment conditions for doctoral programme.

Responsabilités

• Join the ID01 team and collaborate with European semiconductor groups.
• Work on sub-nanosecond imaging of operating microelectronic devices by X-ray diffraction microscopy.
• Advance 3D spatial and temporal strain–temperature imaging for next-generation devices.
• Meet enrolment deadlines and contribute to the doctoral programme.

Connaissances

X-ray diffraction

Electronics

Python

Teamwork

Communication

Formation

Master's degree (MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea)

Description du poste

Organisation/Company European Synchrotron Radiation Facility Research Field Physics Researcher Profile Established Researcher (R3) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 2 Sep 2027 - 23:23 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number NS26-ESRF05 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Thesis subject: Sub Nanosecond Imaging of Operating Microelectronic Devices by X-ray Diffraction Microscopy

Beamline ID01, at the ESRF is a world leading instrument dedicated to micro- and nano-beam X-ray diffraction imaging experiments. It enables advanced studies of epitaxial materials and microelectronic devices, including time-resolved full-field diffraction microscopy. The ID01 team has successfully carried out several lighthouse experiments that attract collaborators and users worldwide.

The successful candidate will join the team and collaborate with a network of European semiconductor device research groups and technology organizations. These partners focus on applied materials and devices in the time domain. In particular, the project addresses key challenges limiting efficiency and life-time of microelectronic and optoelectronic devices based on SiGe(Sn) heterostructures, namely heat generation and strain‑induced degradation during operation. The improvement of device design and fabrication requires an experimental technique capable of probing the spatial and temporal distribution of lattice strain under realistic operating conditions. This can be achieved using X‑ray Diffraction Microscopy in the unique set‑up at ID01.. This project will provide fundamental understanding of thermomechanical behaviour and energy dissipation in technologically and economically relevant semiconductor devices. In addition, it will advance the X‑ray diffraction microscopy methodology toward 3D spatial and temporal strain–temperature imaging for the optimization of next‑generation electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Further information may be obtained from:
Tobias Schülli (tel.: [phone], email: [e-mail] )

Expected profile

• A background in X‑ray diffraction or electronics would be desirable and knowledge of programming (Python) would be an advantage.
• Teamwork, clear communication and prioritisation are essential to work in a synchrotron environment.
• Degree allowing enrolment for a PhD (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent) in chemistry, materials science, physics or a closely related science. However minimum degree level may vary between universities.
• The candidate must have obtained and provide proof of a diploma at the time of application. The European Commission/MSCA may consider a student eligible provided that the university issues an official certificate confirming that the degree has been completed. The diploma will have to be provided at a later stage and is a mandatory requirement for enrolment in a doctoral school.
• Proficiency in English (A proof of upper‑intermediate B2 level must be included in the application. Applicants originating from native‑English‑speaking countries can apply without the need for proof of level. An official degree conducted in English will be also accepted as a proof). If the applicant is unable to provide proof, an English test (free of charge) will be requested.
• Compliance with the Marie Sklodowska‑Curie mobility rule: candidates may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host institute’s country for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the application deadline (30/09/2026).
• All researchers recruited must be doctoral candidates, i.e. not already working towards or in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.
• Candidates must satisfy the conditions for enrolment in a doctoral programme.

Working conditions

The successful candidate will have to assure to fulfil all conditions and respect deadlines for enrolment in the doctoral school at Department of Sciences, Rome Tre University, Roma, Italy.

What we offer:

• Join an innovative international research institute, with a workforce from 38 different countries
• Collaborate with global experts to advance science and address societal challenges
• Come and live in a vibrant city, in the heart of the Alps, and Europe's Green Capital 2022
• Enjoy a workplace designed to support your quality of life
• Benefit from ourcompetitive compensation and allowancespackage, including financial support for your relocation to Grenoble

The ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from disabled persons.

NEXTSTEP will train 36 enthusiastic researchers to exploit the unique and transversal capabilities of analytical research infrastructures in tackling the challenges associated with sustainable development and industrial competitiveness in the areas of “Health”, “Digital, Industry & Space”, “Climate, Energy and Mobility” and “Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment”, which are at the heart of Horizon Europe. Host laboratories: ESRF and ILL (France), FZJ (Germany), AREA (Italy), NTNU (Norway).