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Materials Science and Photonics● OpenPreview

PhD on Failure Modes and Mechanisms in RF Switches Based on PCM

Investigate the reliability and failure mechanisms of phase-change material-based RF switches for advanced CMOS integration.

Best for:Best for graduate engineers with a background in materials science, electronics, or semiconductor physics interested in reliability characterization.

CEA-Leti · France · R1 · First-stage researcher
More professors at CEA-Leti
Phase-change materialsRF switchesReliability analysisFailure mechanismsElectrical characterization
Deadline
Oct 31, 2026
16 days
Funding
Salaried
CEA
Start date
2026-09-01
Fixed-term
Location
France
on-site

Overview

This PhD position is hosted within the Electrical Characterization and Reliability Laboratory at LETI, focusing on radio frequency switches built using phase-change materials (PCM). The candidate will examine failure modes such as heater breakage, material segregation, and cavity formation during various operating conditions. The research involves conducting electrical and physical characterizations alongside implementing accelerated aging methods. The expected outcome is a comprehensive understanding of the physical mechanisms behind PCM switch degradation and reliability.

PhDRF switchesphase-change materialsreliabilityaccelerated agingsilicon componentsCEA-Leti

What you'll do

  • Design and execute accelerated aging tests for phase-change material based RF switches under varying operational conditions.
  • Perform electrical and physical characterizations to identify failure modes such as heater degradation, segregation, and void formation.
  • Analyze experimental data to model and understand the underlying physical mechanisms of component failure.
  • Collaborate with research teams to integrate findings into complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) processing frameworks.
  • Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at international conferences.

Requirements

Degree required: Master of Science or equivalent degree in Materials Science, Microelectronics, Physics, or related engineering discipline.

Degree offered: PhD

Language: English or French proficiency is acceptable; no specific certification required.

Instruction: English / French

Required skills
  • Background in semiconductor physics or microelectronics
  • Experience with electrical or physical characterization techniques
  • Understanding of reliability testing or failure analysis methods
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Nice to have
Familiarity with radio frequency (RF) devices and measurementsKnowledge of phase-change materials or similar functional thin filmsExperience with cleanroom processing or semiconductor backend integration

Funding & terms

Type
Salaried
Amount
CEA
Duration
36 months
Programme
CEA
CEA

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-10-31

Interested candidates should review the application portal on Campus France and submit the required documentation directly through the provided listing link or by contacting the listed supervisor.

Documents required
  • CV
  • Cover letter
  • Academic transcripts
↗Apply on site

Contact

SM
Prof.
Stéphane Moreau
Département Composants Silicium
Lab
Laboratoire Caractérisation Electrique et Fiabilité
CEA-Leti
France
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