Topic of research: Fundamentals in the growth behavior of ultrahigh temperature TaC coatings for producing epitaxial SiC semiconductors
Reliable protective coatings are exigently demanded to coat graphite crucibles and susceptors for bulk SiC crystal and epitaxial SiC film growth processes for supplying wide bandgap materials in the fast growing market of semiconductor power devices. Presently thick TaC coating on graphite is being developed to catch up the demand. However, this crucial development is currently hampered by the high tendency of dense micro-cracks and delamination of TaC coating from the graphite substrate, which are mainly caused by the large thermal expansion mismatch between the coating and graphite substrate during chemical vapor deposition and during service by the thermal cycles from room temperature to the service temperatures (up to 2600 °C).

This research project aims understanding the fundamentals in the growth behavior of ultrahigh temperature TaC coating on graphite with chemical vapor deposition and eventually developing a crack-free and crack-tolerant TaC coating for the semiconductor industry.

Organization
Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage currently more than 34,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and the top 100 universities in the world (see our ranking: http://www.rug.nl/about-us/where-do-we-stand/rankings, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.

One post-doctoral position is available at the Advanced Production Engineering (APE) research group, Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG), Faculty of Science and Engineering. For more information about the APE group please use the following link: https://www.rug.nl/research/ape

Candidates should have a PhD degree in materials science and engineering. A strong background in chemical vapor deposition and materials physics will be a clear advantage. The successful candidate is expected to have an excellent academic record and is curious, creative and ambitious. You should be able to work in a multidisciplinary environment in close cooperation with other experts and be fluent in English (both oral and written).

Fixed-term contract: 30 months.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

- a salary of € 3,877 (scale 10, step 4) to a maximum of € 4,185 (scale 10, step 6) gross per month in the first year (salary scale Dutch Universities), based on a full-time position (1.0 FTE) depending of relevant work experience after attaining PhD
- a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income
- an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and participation in a pension scheme for employees • the successful candidate will be offered a position of two and half years. The position requires residence in Groningen.

The preferred starting date is 1 December 2024 or earlier.