PhD Student

Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork invites applications for the PhD position.

The trend toward miniaturisation and increasing functionality for portable electronic devices is creating new challenges in the fields of electronic engineering and materials science. The development of novel chemical processing routes for the most advanced electronic devices has enabled continuous improvement in microprocessors for PCs and magnetic materials for memory or storage devices. For advanced electronic applications such as handheld electronics, passive components, including inductors and transformers have recently become the focus of intensive studies worldwide for both printed circuit board (PCB) and silicon based electronic devices. These passive components require integrated magnetic thin films with copper conductors and insulation layers.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork has, over the last decade, been a recognized leader in the area of integrated magnetic components for electronic applications and was in 2015 named the UCC Research Team of the Year. As well as undertaking extensive research for magnetics on silicon substrates, we have developed and patented PCB embedded magnetic devices. The PCB embedded magnetics were fabricated by electroplating of nickel-iron permalloy layers and magnetic through-board-vias surrounding standard copper conductors. In the short to medium term it is expected that embedded thin film magnetics in PCB type advanced organic substrates is more likely to be scalable to high volume manufacture than magnetics on silicon due to lower costs and greater ease in introducing new materials.

Responsibilities

This PhD research project proposes to build on previous research to investigate the development of novel chemical/electrochemical magnetic thin film materials processing with improved properties suitable for use in high frequency (>50 MHz) switch mode power converters. The development of novel processes to produce laminated magnetic cores with insulators will also be investigated. The chemical materials development will be facilitated in the state-of-the-art micro and nanofabrication equipment suite at Tyndall. Advanced chemical bath development to achieve the optimised magnetic alloys will be required involving both electrolytic and chemical solution based deposition. A key feature of the project will involve the development of micro to nanoscale architectures through advanced chemical processing of the substrates and the deposition conditions required to achieve the novel device designs. The project is expected to deliver a detailed study of the development of novel materials and fabrication processes suitable for next generation integrated thin film magnetics in advanced organic substrates.

The successful applicant will work as part of a multidisciplinary research team which will include device designers who will assist with device specification. Electrochemical microfabrication techniques will be performed and assessed for analysis of reaction mechanisms and materials integration. Chemical, magnetic and microscopic analysis will be correlated with the electrochemical results.

Requirements

Applicants must have a first, upper second class honours undergraduate or master’s degree in Chemistry or Materials Science from an approved University.

Proven experience with practical and theoretical electrochemistry and electrochemical simulation is desirable. Applicants should include a description of their career goals and how this opportunity will assist them in meeting their targets.

Please apply via http://www.tyndall.ie/career/search, selecting reference number PMcC-1 and following the instructions to complete the associated application form, attaching your cv and motivation letter.

At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.