Internal Research Fellow (Postdoc) in Radiation Effects Engineering of Microelectronics
Key Skills
Job Description
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
The Radiation and Component Reliability Section (TEC-EDR) and the Microelectronics Section (TEC-EDM) are part of the Avionics and EEE Division (TEC-ED) in the Electrical Department (TEC-E).
Their main area of responsibility is to provide direct and indirect engineering support to ESA projects and European industry in the fields of EEE component radiation effects and reliability assessment. The activities of the Section are strongly laboratory-oriented, and TEC-EDR is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Electrical Components Laboratory. The laboratory has state-of-the-art facilities for the simulation of space environment conditions, such as temperature, shock, vibration and radiation, as well as instruments to characterise the electrical performance, materials and workmanship of electronic components.
The TEC-EDR Section provides quality and engineering support to all ESA projects and development programmes in the area of radiation and component reliability.
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: https://www.esa.int/
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
Growing mission complexity, the need for European sovereignty, and increasing demand for speed, data capacity, and artificial intelligence require research into radiation effects engineering of complex microelectronics. Advanced high-performance devices used in space applications are usually not radiation-hardened and thus require dedicated test campaigns and complex radiation analysis.
The research activity relates to the preparation of radiation test campaigns on complex microelectronics, including developing test set-ups and subsequent data analysis, with emphasis on single-event effects on complex semiconductor devices such as field programmable gate arrays, advanced synchronous dynamic random-access memories, microprocessors and system-on-chip devices. The research will focus on the development of best industrial practices for the radiation testing and engineering for radiation mitigation of complex microelectronics.
The theoretical research will be complemented by using irradiation sources available at ESTEC (Co-60, Cf-252 and pulsed laser testing) and heavy ion and proton accelerators available in Europe.
The research will be carried out with support from other Sections in the Division, offering an opportunity to work in an end-to-end environment including supporting competences from colleagues working in the domains of components, microelectronics, data handling and flight software.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
Education
You should have recently completed (within five years), or be close to completion of a PhD in microelectronics and radiation effects.
Additional requirements
You should have a master’s degree or equivalent qualification in electrical/electronic engineering or solid-state physics, as well as substantial experience in the field of radiation effects on semiconductor components and all aspects of irradiation testing.
You should have experience with SEE rate prediction tools and sufficient knowledge of the space environment to correctly employ such tools. You should demonstrate familiarity with device physics simulation tools; modern programming techniques; modelling and simulation of radiation effects on complex semiconductor components for radiation hardening; and software engineering practices.
Basic knowledge of component engineering and product assurance principles and modelling/simulation of radiation effects on EEE components for radiation hardening is an asset.
You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multi-cultural environment, both independently and as part of a team.
During the interview motivation and overall professional perspective/career goals will also be explored.
In addition to your CV and your motivation letter, please prepare a research proposal of no more than five pages. This proposal should be uploaded to the "Research Outline" field of the "Application information” when you apply.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [email protected].
Important Information and Disclaimer
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.
The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia, as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
Core Responsibilities
The fellow will conduct research on radiation effects engineering for complex microelectronics, including developing test set-ups and performing data analysis. They will also support ESA projects by providing engineering expertise in radiation testing and mitigation strategies for space applications.
Requirements
Candidates must hold or be near completion of a PhD in microelectronics or a related field, with a background in electrical engineering or solid-state physics. Substantial experience in radiation effects on semiconductor components and familiarity with irradiation testing and simulation tools are required.
About ESA
Industry: Space Research and Technology
Company size: 1,001-5,000 employees
We are the European Space Agency. Our mission is the peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of everyone. We watch over Earth, develop and launch inspiring space projects, train astronauts and push the boundaries of science and technology, seeking answers to the big questions about the Universe. We are scientists, engineers and business professionals from all over Europe working together in a diverse and multinational environment. We are dedicated to united space in Europe and united Europe in space.