Postdoctoral Fellowship - Power Delivery Engineer

POSTED: May 8, 2024
BUSINESS: IMEC
POSITION TYPE: Full-time
START DATE: Immediate Availability

Power Delivery Engineer - imec USA/Purdue University Joint Postdoctoral Fellowship

What You Will Do

Today’s high-end GPUs can consume as high as 800 W per chip, with CPU, FPGAs and ASICs also having substantial power needs not much lower than this. Supplying hundreds of Watts into a confined space presents several challenges, and the power quality can have significant impact on the chip performance. We are seeking a specialized integrated voltage regulator design engineer to lead pioneering research and development efforts in high current, low voltage power converter technologies for next-generation integrated circuits. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of power electronics and semiconductor devices, with a particular focus on overcoming the challenges associated with designing power converters that operate efficiently at high currents and low voltages within the space constraints of on-chip environments. This role will be co-advised by an imec technical manager and a Purdue faculty member as part of a vibrant collaboration between imec and Purdue University. The position will be stationed at our new imec USA site located on Purdue University’s campus in West Lafayette, Indiana.

As the Successful Candidate

You will offer research and development support to advance exploratory research on a new power-dense and efficient integrated voltage regulator design. Your primary focus will involve developing integrated voltage regulator prototypes, paying attention to critical areas such as i) exploring switched cap or hybrid voltage converter topologies, ii) MIMCAP and CMOS device characterization and simulation, and iii) parasitic analysis and high-frequency circuit analysis. Collaborating with local teams at Purdue University, you will lead research activities on designing power converter, measuring electrical performance and key reliability monitors that enable the progression of integrated voltage regulator engineering innovations into technologically viable paths. Your lab research activities will synchronize with Imec teams in the US, Belgium, and Purdue, with the outcomes of your research upscaled in imec's 300 mm clean-room facility in Belgium.

Coupon-level fabrication and basic device characterization will be a joint effort between Purdue’s and imec's semiconductor pilot lines and established device testing labs. You will closely engage with device physicists, designers, process integration engineers, as well as physicists and chemistry researchers for device development and integration enhancements. Your work will take place in Purdue University's facilities as well as in imec research labs, collaborating with an international, multidisciplinary team. Regular participation and contributions to projects and team meetings is expected.

Who You Are

• Recently completed (or soon to complete) a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or Physics, with relevant experience.
• Proven research experience in the design and analysis of high-frequency integrated switched capacitor circuits or on-chip power converters.
• Proficiency in using EDA tools for circuit simulation and layout (e.g. Cadence, LTspice, PLECS).
• Knowledge of dc-dc power converter topologies and parasitic analysis.
• Have hands-on experience in nanodevice fabrication and characterization.
• Have experience or are familiar with CMOS technology, device modeling and simulation, and data analysis tools.
• Have published in top-level conferences and/or high-impact journals in the field.
• Self-motivated, independent, innovative, results-driven, yet rigorous, and a team player with a clear focus on delivering outcomes.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills to bridge research groups and project partners in an interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, fostering seamless interaction with local and remote colleagues and partners.
• Adaptable to an international collaboration and willingness for short and long stays at imec headquarters in Belgium.

This opportunity invites you to be part of pioneering research and innovation within an international, diverse, and dynamic environment.

For more information and to apply, go to: https://www.imec-int.com/en/work-at-imec/job-opportunities/postdoctoral-fellowship-power-delivery-engineer