PhD in Nanotechnology

PhD Research Project

Semiconductor nanowires (NWs) exhibit unique properties that make them potential building blocks for the next generation of nanoelectronics devices. Direct integration of NWs into devices, where NW ensembles are employed “as-grown” on their substrate, relies however on the availability of ordered arrays of identical nanowires.

The PhD research project will focus on the growth of ordered arrays of identical III-As NWS, with special interest to NW heterostructures incorporating 0-dimensional and 1-dimensional diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS). The activity will involve the preparation of patterned substrate by nanofabrication techniques, the growth of the nanowires by metal assisted molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), and their morphological characterisation by scanning electron microscopy.

The activity will take place at IOM, exploiting the existing multi-chamber ultra high vacuum (UHV) system composed by two MBE growth chamber, a metallisation chamber and an analysis chamber for x-ray photoemission spectroscopy, and the fully equipped nanofabrication laboratory. The research project will be developed in close collaboration with the IMM-CNR laboratory, also a member of INDEED, where the nanowires optical properties will be investigated by time resolved spectroscopy.

Context

This research fellowship programme (PhD) will be carried out within the context of the INDEED network, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions– Innovative Training Network

(ITN) – project funded by the European Commission, under their H2020 program. Through the project activities, the Fellows/PhD students will have the opportunity to come in contact and collaborate with some of the best European research groups.

Responsibilities

1. Perform high quality research in the bespoke research project under the guidance of the supervisory team.
2. Meet the members of the supervisory team on a regular basis.
3. Participate in the activities of the Network as specified in the Grant Agreement and/or required by the node coordinator, including secondments in other network nodes and taking part in the network meetings and in the training activities.
4. Write up the results of the research activity and present research papers and publications at meetings and conferences, as advised by the supervisors. 

5. Widen the personal knowledge in the research area and undertake complementary training.
6. Keep records of the activities, such as research, training, secondments, visits, leave of absence, etc.

Person Specification

The successful candidates must satisfy the eligibility criteria (see below ) and have:

1. An excellent academic record in physics, engineering, material sciences or related areas, with a solid academic background in Semiconductor Physics or Solid State Physics.
2. A keen interest in pursuing research in nanotechnology, and in particular the science and technology of nanowires
3. The ability to work independently and as a member of a research team.
4. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
5. A good command of English language, with excellent oral and written skills.

* Note that female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Desirable

Any or combination of the following will be a clear advantage.

• A demonstrable ability or potential to produce research published in peer-reviewed journals.
• A good strategic fit with existing research expertise in the host institution and the INDEED network
• Knowledge of, or a strong willingness to learn Italian.