Postdoctoral Researcher (Neuromorphic Computing and Engineering) / Tutkijatohtori (Neuromorfinen las

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our universities community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to work on the neuromorphic computing and sensing hardware development. This involves device design, fabrication and characterization as well as semiconductor process development in a state-of-the-art cleanroom facility. Materials synthesis will include atomic layer deposition (ALD), sputter and e-beam evaporation for metallic, semiconducting and dielectric oxides, and heterostructures based on these materials.

The position will involve a combination of experimental and simulation work and requires close collaboration with doctoral students in the group, the Thin Film Electronics Laboratory led by Assoc. Professor Sayani Majumdar in Tampere University, Finland.

Main topic of research will be on CMOS Back end compatible ferroelectric device development (Ferroelectric Capacitor, FeFET, Ferroelectric tunnel junctions, one of the most promising new memory technologies for neuromorphic hardware and will explore new material combinations and unique process technology to achieve device performance beyond the best available today. 

The Thin film electronics lab, at Tampere University is part of the Electrical Engineering Unit of the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences at Tampere University, aims at developing hardware components for future generation of beyond CMOS computing like neuromorphic computing and sensing. We perform interdisciplinary research on the boundaries of physics, nanotechnology, material science, electrical engineering and neuromorphic computing for future generation of smart edge devices with minimum carbon footprint. 

Job description

Main duties include:

• High-level academic research and publication activities (90%)
• Teaching assistance in related graduate courses (10%)
• Please see also the detailed descriptions above

Requirements

The position is open for candidates with a doctoral degree relevant to research in Physics, Material Science, Electrical Engineering, Nanotechnology and related fields. It is essential to have very good knowledge of one or several subjects like semiconductor device physics, nanotechnology, material science, neuromorphic computing and related fields. 

Additional requirements:

• Previous experience of 2 years or more with cleanroom fabrication.
• Previous experience with ferroelectric materials.
• Experience of electrical characterization.
• Working proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Python, Matlab, C++.
• Oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria

This is a position primarily focused on research. The assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a postdoctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• Ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Mentoring and Teaching skills. 

Other qualifications:

• Practical experiences with lithography techniques, like EBL, maskless aligner, thin film deposition with atomic layer deposition, ferroelectric materials, etc.
• Research publications in the field of neuromorphic computing.
• Academic leadership.

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development. Candidates for this position are expected to have a strong background in solid state physics, experience of device design and cleanroom fabrication, programming skills, and a keen interest in the mathematical modeling of devices. Experience in any of the following is an asset for this position: AI and Machine Learning, Neuromorphic Computing, Neural Network Simulation.

Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary and boldly forward-looking, evolving community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, erudition/Building, and learner-centeredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work.

We offer

The postdoctoral researcher will be hired for a fixed term period until 31.3.2027. The start date is anytime, preferably as soon as possible, and will be mutually agreed between the parties. Trial period of six months applies to all our new hires. The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a Postdoctoral Researcher is placed on level 5—6 of the job requirements scale. 

We offer you the opportunity to join our dynamic and innovative international community. As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as occupational health care services, flexible work schedule, versatile research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities and a safe and inviting campus area as well as a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities in your free time. Please read more about working at Tampere University. You can also find more information about us and working and living Tampere by watching our video: Tampere Higher Education Community – our academic playground. 

Finland is among the most stable, free and safe countries in the world, based on prominent ratings by various agencies. Tampere is the largest inland city of Finland, and the city is counted among the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries. Tampere region is the most rapidly growing urban area in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. Tampere is also surrounded by vivid nature with forests and lakes, providing countless opportunities for easy-to-access outdoor adventures and refreshment throughout the year.

Read more about Finland and Tampere: 

• Visit Finland
• This is Finland
• Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment: Welcome to Finland
• Visit Tampere

How to apply

Please submit your application in English through our online recruitment system (link below). 

The closing date for applications is the 31st of January 2025 (23:59 EET / UTC+2). 

Attach the following documents to your application in PDF format: 

1. Brief letter of intent (describing yourself, your research background and interests, and why you would be suitable for the position; max 3 pages)
2. Curriculum vitae (TENK guidelines)
3. List of publications (Academy of Finland guidelines)
4. Names and full contact addresses of at least 2 references 
5. Any additional material or unpublished work that helps us see that you are research-oriented, technically skilled, and creative.

For more information, please contact:

Associate Professor Sayani Majumdar; sayani.majumdar@tuni.fi

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Tampereen yliopisto ja Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu muodostavat yhdessä Suomen toiseksi suurimman monitieteisen, innostavan ja vaikuttavan tutkimus- ja oppimisyhteisön. Korkeakouluyhteisömme osaamiskärjet ovat tekniikka, terveys ja yhteiskunta. Lue lisää: www.tuni.fi

Tampereen yliopistossa on haettavana Tutkijatohtori (Neuromorfinen laskenta ja tekniikka) tehtävä.

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Jätäthän hakemuksesi yliopiston sähköisellä hakulomakkeella (linkki löytyy tämän ilmoituksen alta). Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 31.1.2025, klo 23:59.

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