A fully funded 4-year doctoral student position is currently available in the group of Assistant Professor Hannu-Pekka Komsa in the Microelectronics Research Unit at the University of Oulu, Finland.

Memristors are novel circuit elements, whose resistance depends on the history of currents through it. By colocating the information processing and memory functionalities, memristors can make certain computational operations faster and more energy efficient. They also bear resemblance on how information is processed in biological neurons and synapses and thus particularly promising for hardware implementations of artificial neural networks. In the project, memristors are fabricated using layered materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides in novel device geometries, and their use in neuromorphic sensor applications is also explored. To unravel the operating mechanism and to optimize the device performance, experimental results are complemented by computational studies of the defect dynamics carried out at density-functional theory and device levels.

The candidate will work on atomistic density-functional theory simulations to study defect dynamics in transition metal dichalcogenides under typical operating conditions of memristor devices. To understand their effect to the device operation and to compare to experiments, these will be complemented by kinetic Monte-Carlo simulations and possibly device level modeling.

Qualification requirements

• We expect a degree in physics, chemistry, materials science (or closely related to the topic of the call)
• Previous experience with atomistic simulation codes such as VASP or Quantum-Espresso is required
• Good programming skills are considered an advantage
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential
• You have a positive mindset and the ability to work collaboratively with people of various backgrounds

Please also see the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School http://www.oulu.fi/uniogs/requirements_for_admission

What we offer

• We offer you a place in a highly talented and multidisciplinary research group, working to solve globally significant research problems.
• In addition to modern research facilities, we offer you personnel benefits such as free occupational healthcare, affordable sport services and endless opportunities to develop your skills and competences.
• Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.
• The successful candidate will receive also benefits provided by the Finnish government to residents, for example possibility to obtain access to the national healthcare system, tax benefits for employees with children and high-quality, affordable childcare services.

Salary

The salary of the selected doctoral student will be in accordance with the Finnish universities salary system (for teaching and research personnel): level 2-4. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2400-2500 € per month (before taxes).

How to apply

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why applicant is interested in about this position.
2. Curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages)
3. List of publications
4. Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original Master's degree certificate and transcript of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English
5. Contact information of two senior/experienced researchers who may be asked to give a statement on the candidate

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the online recruitment system will be considered. Top candidates will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted by October 31st, 2021 at 23:59 (Finnish local time) using the electronic application form:

https://rekry.saima.fi/certiahome/open_job_view.html?did=5600&lang=en&id=000012013&jc=1

 Further information

The positions are fixed-term for maximum 4 years as of 1 Jan 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter and ending 31.12.2025. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the positions.

For further information, please contact Assistant Professor Hannu-Pekka Komsa [email protected]