Master Thesis in Materials Science

Oxide electronics are a major opportunity for future information technologies and a sustainable energy economy. In the group for Electronic Materials at Peter Grünberg Institut - Electronic Materials (PGI-7), we are exploring the fundamental properties of nanoscaled oxides that can lead to novel electronic devices and new functionalities. By tailoring the properties of our thin films and device architecture on the atomic scale, we aim to create more efficient and better performing memristive devices by design. It is our vision, that atomic scale engineering of functional materials and interfaces will lead to new breakthroughs in IT and energy technologies.

**Your Job**:
In this project, you will lead the fabrication and characterization of memristive crossbar arrays, based on state-of-the-art memristive device technologies. Your goal will be to study the resistive switching kinetics of Ta2O5-based memristive devices, and investigate the switching speed and device energy efficiency, under novel thermal management approaches. Based on the electrical characterization, our goal will be to explore the influence of thermal management in the overall device performance, leading to more efficient design rules for filamentary memristive systems. You will actively do research on the electrical characterization, and device fabrication. You will receive individual training to learn state-of-the-art lab methodology, comprising thin film deposition, optical lithography, electrical characterization on different Keithley systems and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Specific tasks for the master thesis include:

- Fabrication of memristive crossbar arrays
- Study of resistive switching kinetics in Ta2O5-based memristive devices
- Investigation of switching speed and energy efficiency under novel thermal management techniques
- Electrical characterization of the devices to assess the impact of thermal management on performance
- Active participation in device fabrication and electrical characterization

**Your Profile**:

- Completed Bachelor degree in the field of physics, materials sciences, electrical engineering, or a comparable course of study
- Completed qualification to enroll for the Master thesis
- Interest in issues about nanoelectronics, information technologies,
- Willingness to familiarize yourself with new methods or new scientific challenges
- Previous knowledge in electrical characterization or materials synthesis is desirable
- Fluent knowledge of written and spoken English
- High degree of motivation and reliability and analytical working style
Excellent ability to cooperate and work in a team

**Our Offer**:
We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change We support you in your work with:

- Cutting-edge research in an internationally recognized environment
- An interesting and socially relevant topic for your thesis with future-oriented themes
- Ideal conditions for gaining practical experience alongside your studies
- An interdisciplinary collaboration on projects in an international, committed and collegial team
- Excellent technical equipment and the newest technology; access and active control of advanced experimental setups
- Direct exchange with national and international project partners, and independent (yet guided) decision making
- Qualified support through your scientific colleagues
The chance to independently prepare and work on your tasks
- Continuation into a PhD project opportunity will be considered at the end of the project. This position is initially for a fixed term of up to 12 months.