Thesis: Advanced Electrical and Magnetic Characterization of Novel Spintronic Materials and Devices

Developing innovative technology solutions and bridging the gap between research and industrial application – that is our mission at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS. Our interdisciplinary teams leverage expertise in photonic microsystems, nanoelectronics, and wireless communication to create cutting-edge technologies for global markets, including automotive, industrial automation, and aerospace.

The »Spin-Based Concepts« (SBC) group is at the forefront of spintronics R&D. We focus on the development of high-performance magnetic sensors (TMR) and next-generation non-volatile memory (MRAM), as well as novel computing concepts based on magnetic domain walls (Racetrack Memory) and Magnetic Tunnel Junctions (MTJs). Our core strength lies in the precise engineering of complex magnetic heterostructures, primarily MTJs in various configurations. We specialize in the deposition of nanometric and subnanometric thin layers to create functional stacks comprising up to 40 individual layers. What sets us apart is our ability to develop and characterize these materials on an industrial 300mm wafer scale, providing a direct pathway from fundamental materials science to high-volume semiconductor manufacturing.

As part of our team, you will contribute to the magnetic and electrical analysis of these stacks at the blanket film level, helping to shape the hardware foundations for Future Computing and Advanced Sensing applications

Be part of change

• Electrical Characterization: Perform transport measurements on advanced MTJ stacks using current-in-plane tunneling (CIPT).
• Magnetic Analysis: Characterize thin films and multilayer stacks using vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR).
• Metrology & Analytics: Support wafer-level metrology and advanced materials characterization activities.
• Scientific Research: Conduct literature reviews on state-of-the-art spintronic devices and technologies.
• Data Evaluation: Analyze and correlate measurement data with thin-film process variations.

The project can also be pursued as part of a Master's or Diploma thesis, offering the opportunity to combine academic research with hands-on experience in an industrial R&D environment.

What you contribute

• Academic Background: Currently enrolled in a Master's or Diploma program in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Microsystems Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Core Interest: Strong understanding of solid-state physics and magnetism, with a genuine fascination for magnetic phenomena and tunneling effects.
• Analytical Mindset: Enjoy working with experimental data; basic experience with Python, Origin, or similar data analysis tools is a plus.
• Experimental Curiosity: Hands-on mentality and enthusiasm for working in a high-tech laboratory environment.
• Communication Skills: Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken, are required. German language skills are not necessary.

What we offer

We offer you an exciting topic and individual support in the preparation of your thesis by experienced employees. A motivated and dynamic team awaits you in a very well equipped, research and development environment. In addition, we offer you connecting points within the framework of your studies or your career entry, e.g. a following PhD, the beginning of your scientific career as a junior scientist at Fraunhofer IPMS or becoming an engineer. We support you in this process!

The scientific work will be carried out in the business unit/research group NGC (Next Generation Computing) at Fraunhofer IPMS in Dresden. The examination takes place via affiliation with a German university of applied sciences and is governed by the respective state university law.

The weekly working time is to be agreed individually. The position is temporary for the time of the scientific work. The duration is flexible according to agreement and possible study guidelines. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.

Contact

Mr. Eric Graebe
Human Resources
Phone: +49 (0)351 8823 1505

Mr. Christoph Durner
Specialty Department
Phone: +49 (0)351 2607 3215

Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS

Requisition Number: 84541