PhD Position: Functional Materials And Devices for Neuromorphics

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Imagine devices that learn and adapt, mimicking the brain – this is the promise of neuromorphic hardware, with applications in robotics, healthcare, and autonomous systems. Ferroelectric hafnia, with its non-volatility, low switching energy, and CMOS-compatibility paves the way for scalable and efficient neuromorphic devices.

Project background

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. It is renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. The Departement of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering is dedicated to world-class research and education in electrical engineering and electronic information processing, including biomedical engineering and brain research. Within the D-ITET, the Integrated Systems Laboratory (IIS) focuses on microelectronics, optoelectronics and nanotechnologies.

Job description

A 100% fixed-term position of 4 years at the heart of Zurich, Switzerland. As a researcher, you will discover functional materials by stacking nanolayers of oxides. The focus will be on ferroelectrics, which can also exhibit piezo-, pyro- and photo-electric effects. Test structures and circuits will be designed and fabricated. The use of strain, heat or light as a third factor will be investigated, with the aim of consolidating learning in artificial neural networks. As a PhD candidate, you will lead a research project and will be responsible for designing and documenting the experimental work. You will manage the data and the program codes generated by you and the students you will supervise. You will report through project and group meetings, conference proceedings and presentations, project deliverables and publications.

Your profile

MSc degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or equivalent.

Proficient in English

Proficient in programming (Python, Matlab)

With the social and leadership competencies , ETH Zurich has developed a common understanding for a shared work culture. Kindly try to incorporate these six competencies into your recruitment.

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

You will receive clean room training and knowledge transfer at the Binnig and Rohrer Nanotechnology Center on thin film growth, device fabrication and characterization. The PhD position includes a secondment, either in a company or an international university.Dr. Laura Bégon-Lours was awarded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (grant 218438 ): in her group, you will benefit from a strong collaborative network in Europe, for example with NamLab and HZB in Germany, NCSRD in Greece. You will also benefit of a wide audience for results dissemination: in 2023, she could share the contributions of her team through 7 Invited Talks at international conferences. Formerly leading the research on ferroelectric devices for neuromorphic computing at IBM Research Zurich, Dr. Bégon-Lours is strongly connected to industry.

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, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our

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Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your application with the following documents:

• A personnal statement indicating your current situation and your motivation.
• Your CV (please describe your personal contributions to student projects),
• BS and MS transcripts and diplomas,
• A list of five references. The Referees will be contacted for recommendation letters in the later recruiting process. 

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about D-ITET, Integrated Systems Laboratory can be found on our website .

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Laura Bégon-Lours: [email protected] (no applications).

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.