Postdoc in Wafer-Scale Functional Oxide Thin Films for High-Efficiency Piezoelectric Applications – DTU Energy

Job title:

Postdoc in Wafer-Scale Functional Oxide Thin Films for High-Efficiency Piezoelectric Applications – DTU Energy

Company:

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet

Job description

Job Description:The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is offering a postdoctoral research fellowship focused on engineering and characterizing functional oxide thin films for the next generation of high efficiency piezoelectric materials.The position is part of the recently funded national Villum project, “Defect-Induced Symmetry Breaking in Centrosymmetric Oxides for High-Efficiency Energy Conversion (SYMTEC).” This project focuses on discovering new piezoelectric oxide thin-film materials compatible with existing silicon technology.The SYMTEC project aims to provide new directions for developing new piezoelectric materials, which are lead-free and compatible with Si-based CMOS technology. This will be achieved by engineering functional defects in centrosymmetric oxide thin-film materials (e.g., doped ceria), expanding the range of available piezoelectric materials and opening new areas of research.Responsibilities and qualifications
The current postdoctoral research will focus on engineering large-area oxide thin-film materials on silicon and characterizing their electromechanical energy conversion properties. The main objectives of this project are to: * Establishing an optimal deposition condition of highly textured oxide films on Si using wafer-scale sputtering (also using pulsed laser deposition, PLD).

• Engineering new piezoelectric oxide thin films by controlling ionic defects.
• Investigating emergent piezoelectric effects in large-area CGO films on silicon.

The successful candidate will work on growing functional oxide thin films, fabricating devices, and performing electromechanical measurements. The focus will be on defect-mediated symmetry breaking in oxide films on silicon wafers using sputtering and PLD systems at DTU Energy. The films will undergo advanced characterization (e.g., electromechanical, dielectric, and piezoelectric force microscopy across various frequencies and temperatures) to optimize their properties. Understanding the relationship between defect dynamics, crystal symmetry, and electromechanical response is crucial to achieving piezoelectric effects in intrinsically centrosymmetric oxides.Qualifications
A candidate should be highly talented, strongly self-motivated, and must hold a PhD’s degree, preferably in materials science or solid-state physics-related discipline.Candidates with the following qualifications are preferred:

• Experience working with oxide thin film materials (particularly with ferroic materials)
• Deep knowledge of solid-state physics or materials science
• Experience with sputtering or PLD of complex (or similar) oxide thin films and heterostructures
• Experience with ionic transport, dielectric, and electromechanical measurements skills
• Experience with piezoelectric force microscopy (conductive AFM)
• Excellent programming skills for variable temperature and electrical measurements (e.g., LabVIEW or MATLAB or python coding)

Further qualifications:

• Good understanding of structural and electrical measurements
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English
• Good management skills for research tasks
• Being able to work independently and in a team

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.The period of employment is 1 year but with the possibility of extension. The expected starting date is 1 April 2025 or as soon as possible, but requests for later starting dates can also be met.You can read more about .Further information
Please contact Asst. Prof. Daesung Park, +45 9195 2343, and Prof. Nini Pryds, +45 2219 5752, for further information. Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at .Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than Sunday 16 February 2025 (23:59 Danish time).Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply now”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications
• Grade transcripts
• Two recommendation letters

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.DTU Energy focuses on functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technology. Our research areas include electromechanical converters, fuel cells, electrolysis, solar cells, magnetic refrigeration, superconductivity and thermoelectrics. Additional information about the department can be found onTechnology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

Expected salary

Location

Kongens Lyngby, Hovedstaden – Lyngby, Midtjylland

Job date

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 08:43:52 GMT

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