Postdoc (f/m/d) Ferroelectric Devices for Neuromorphic Computing

Reference No.: QM 2025/15

At the IFOX Institute of the HZB, we conduct research on functional oxide thin films and nanostructures in combination with semiconductors for energy-efficient information technology. Our focus lies on material synthesis, detailed structural characterization using state-of-the-art methods, and the investigation of device properties for neuromorphic computing applications. Within the framework of the European project FIXIT (Scaled FerroelectrIc X-bars for AI-driven sensors and actuaTors), you will develop ferroelectric synaptic devices and investigate their scalability. The goal is to miniaturize these devices while preserving their analog and multilevel switching characteristics. Ultra-scaled structures with dimensions of 20 × 20 nm2 are targeted. In addition, their integration into passive crossbar arrays will be explored. You will work in close collaboration with consortium partners such as NamLab in Dresden, IBM in Zurich, NCSR in Athens, and the University of Udine in Italy.

Your Tasks

• Fabrication of ferroelectric devices (2- and 3T devices)
• Scaling of the dimensions down to sub-100 nm dimensions using e-beam lithography
• Detailed electrical characterizations
• Presentation at international conferences and scientific publications
• Supervision of an engineer who will develop lithography and etching processes
• Supervision of Master students

Your Profile

• Completed PhD in Physics, Materials Science or Electrical Engineering
• Advanced experience in electrical measurements
• Advanced experience in semiconductor devices
• Advanced experience in device fabrication and clean room environment
• Programming skills in Python
• Very good written and spoken English skills
• Excellent teamwork skills

Your Benefits

• Opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future in cooperation with leading international researchers
• Commitment to diversity and sustainability through an inclusive working environment, promotion of diversity sensitivity and implementation of sustainable and climate-neutral methods
• Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual mentoring and support from the HZB Graduate Centre and HZB Postdoc Office
• Attractive remuneration through payment according to Public Service Wage Agreement (TVöD Bund)
• 30 days holiday/year
• Extensive additional benefits, such as company pension plan (VBL), subsidy for public transport (Deutschlandticket Job) and company sports programmes
• Good work-life balance through counselling services on family and career and flexible working time models: Flexitime, hybrid working
• And a team that is looking forward to meeting you!

Fixed term contract for 24 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

How to apply

Please submit the following documents together with your application:

• Letter of application
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of publications
• Copies of diploma and grades with English translation
• Name of two potential reviewers

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 14.11.2025. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by any other means (such as email or mail) in the application process.

We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH
Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin
www.helmholtz-berlin.de

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CONTACT

Prof. Catherine Dubourdieu
+49 30 8062-42868
catherine.dubourdieu@helmholtz-berlin.de

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