Postdoctoral Researcher in Memory Device DTCO/TCAD

Postdoctoral Researcher in Memory Device DTCO/TCAD

Imec

Leuven, Belgium

What you will do

Recent advances in data-intensive applications, including AI training and inference, have increased the demand for high-performance memory and storage solutions. To meet the growing requirement for higher memory capacity and reduce cost per bit, a cross-point array architecture is being explored. This approach relies on a two-terminal non-linear selector device instead of a silicon-based MOSFET transistor to address selected memory cells. Various devices, such as Ovonic threshold switches (OTS) and Schottky diodes, have been investigated for this function.

In this role, you will:

• Evaluate potential selector concepts using technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulations, compact modeling, and array-level performance assessment;
• Collaborate closely with device engineering and cross-technology co-optimization (XTCO) teams to align memory device design with broader system-level requirements across logic, memory, and integration challenges. You will explore different materials, develop device designs, and define array architecture;
• Deliver insights that inform future material, process, and device developments.

Who you are

• You have a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Physics, Material Science or a related field;
• You have strong experience in semiconductor device modelling using TCAD tools (e.g. Synopsys’ Sentaurus) and/or circuit simulations for design-technology co-optimization (DTCO) with a focus on emerging memory technologies such as MRAM, RRAM, and PCM;
• Circuit simulation (Spectre/SPICE) and analog knowledge is a plus;
• You have a solid background in electrical engineering, good knowledge of device physics and familiarity with emerging memory technologies (experience with STT and SOT MRAM is an advantage);
• You can analyze and interpret data tools such as Python, JMP etc.;
• You are innovative, proactive, constructive, and work effectively both in teams and independently;
• Given the international character of imec, a fluent knowledge of English is necessary.