Last application date Aug 31, 2026 17:00
Department WE04 - Department of Solid State Sciences
Degree Master of Science degree in physics, chemistry, engineering physics, chemical engineering or related discipline
Occupancy rate 100%
Vacancy type Research staff
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a leading European research university with a strong international profile. Employing more than 15,000 staff members, it is actively engaged in education, cutting-edge research, and societal service. With 11 faculties and more than 85 departments, Ghent University offers high-quality, research-driven study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic disciplines. It is one of the largest and most attractive employers in the region, offering excellent career opportunities in an inspiring academic environment.
ABOUT COCOON
This PhD position is hosted by the Conformal Coating of Nanomaterials (CoCooN) research group within the Department of Solid State Sciences (https://www.ugent.be/we/solidstatesciences/cocoon/en). CoCooN is internationally recognized for its expertise in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and advanced materials characterization. The group has extensive experience with in situ techniques, both in-house and at leading synchrotron facilities worldwide. CoCooN offers an international research environment, strong industrial collaborations, and access to state-of-the-art experimental research facilities.
CONTEXT
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a key enabling technology for continued scaling in the semiconductor industry. As device dimensions shrink and architectures become increasingly three-dimensional, thin-film deposition requires atomic-scale thickness control and exceptional conformality. Modern semiconductor manufacturing operates at the 300 mm wafer scale, integrating billions of nanoscale devices on a single chip, placing ever-increasing demands on materials performance. ALD is widely used for fabricating critical nanoscale features such as gate dielectrics and metal interconnects.
A particularly promising development is area-selective deposition, in which material growth is restricted to predefined regions through chemical passivation of non‑growth surfaces, for example using gas‑phase inhibitor molecules. However, optimization of such passivation strategies is currently slow and largely manual. This project aims to accelerate and rationalize this process by exploiting the advanced in situ characterization capabilities available within the CoCooN research group.
YOUR TASKS
- You will conduct experimental research primarily within the state-of-the-art facilities of the CoCooN group and, where relevant, at synchrotron facilities abroad.
- You will develop passivation strategies for area-selective ALD using gas-phase inhibitor molecules, investigate controlled surface cleaning approaches and apply in situ spectroscopy to unravel the underlying chemical and physical surface processes.
- You will perform script-based data analysis of large experimental datasets.
- You will publish your research findings in leading international journals and present your work at prominent international conferences.
- You will supervise M.Sc. students during their thesis projects.
- You will contribute to teaching activities within the Department of Solid State Sciences.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- You hold a Master of Science degree in physics, chemistry, engineering physics, chemical engineering or related discipline. The diploma requirements must be met by the date of appointment. Students graduating this academic year can therefore apply.
- You show a strong interest in nanofabrication, nanopatterning, thin film deposition and spectroscopy.
- You are proficient in Python programming, essential for handling and analyzing large datasets.
- You have strong oral and written communication skills and fluency in English.
- You are motivated and committed to successfully complete a PhD within the 4-year project duration.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- You will perform cutting-edge research in materials and surface science in a stimulating and supportive setting, with frequent engagement with supervisors and colleagues, regular CoCooN group meetings, and comprehensive mentoring throughout your PhD.
- We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
- Your contract will start on August 01, 2026 at the earliest.
- The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
- All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.
INTERESTED?
Please submit the following documents as a single PDF file, in the order listed below:
1. A motivation letter;
2. A full CV, including
- academic and educational background,
- experience with experimental research and programming,
- list of publications (if applicable);
- 3. A copy of your diploma (if already available).
Send your application to [email protected], using the subject line “Application selective ALD PhD”. Applications that do not follow the requested format will not be considered. The position remains open until filled.
As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Jolien Dendooven ([email protected], +32(0)9/264 43 65)
