PhD on electromagnetic modeling for next-gen wafer metrology

Introduction

Are you fascinated by electromagnetic modeling and numerical problem solving? Do you want to contribute to the development of state-of-the-art metrology for integrated-circuit production?

Job Description

Integrated circuits are crucial for the functioning of electronic devices, providing access and storage of information (e.g. business transactions, medical diagnostics, entertainment) on which our data-driven society relies. The production of next-gen integrated circuits, with ever smaller feature sizes, introduces a whole host of challenges. One of these challenges is the effective and fast monitoring of produced wafers for compliance with the design requirements and the absence of production errors. This is the domain of wafer metrology. By illuminating a wafer and measuring the scattered fields, the scattering geometry can be reconstructed mathematically (this is called inverse scattering). This requires both sophisticated mathematical models and efficiently implemented algorithms. In the case of wafer metrology, we are dealing with layered media that potentially contain many scattering objects spread out over multiple layers.

In the computational Electromagnetics research group (the EMPMC lab), we have been pioneering the “spatial spectral method”. In this method, scattering problems, formulated as integral equations in the spatial and spectral domain, are solved by using efficient Fourier transformations. The current state of the art for this solver has shown excellent performance both timewise and in precision, but it is only applicable to a part of the challenges encountered in wafer metrology. As such, we are looking for a PhD candidate to take up the challenge of extending the capabilities of the spatial spectral methodology to more advanced wafer metrology applications.

As a PhD candidate, you will extend this method to be used in forward and inverse scattering problems applicable to wafer metrology. This will involve developing the solver to be used for complex scattering geometries, elaborate illumination profiles, and large computational domains surpassing several thousands cubic wavelengths.  Furthermore, you will contribute to adapting the solver for massive parallel processing, as well as develop new algorithms for inverse scattering. These extensions will be employed in a reconstruction process on actual measured data from real-world metrology, in line with the long-term vision presented in the IRDS roadmap for metrology.

The project will involve mathematical modeling, numerical simulations and, potentially, measurements. You will mainly do your programming work in a mixed programming environment, i.e. combining both high-level and low-level programming languages such as Python for the former and Fortran/C++ for the latter. You will be part of the EMPMC lab, headed by prof. van Beurden, embedded within the broader Electromagnetics group.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or Applied Mathematics, with prior experience in computational modeling of physical phenomena.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
• Familiarity with both low-level (C++, Fortran, etc.) and high-level (Python, Matlab) programming languages and concepts.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager prof. Martijn van Beurden at m.c.v.beurden@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services Flux (HRServices.Flux@tue.nl).

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and information on your Master thesis.
• Contact information of three references that we can contact about your performance.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.