We are currently looking for two (2) candidates for the development of manufacturing process for a microfluidic interposer.

Context

The field of microelectronics face a major challenge in increasing its performance partly because of the limits reached in heat management. This involve the development of new compact and efficient cooling strategies to extract the heat inside the chips. The European research consortium on the STREAMS project offers innovative thermal management for chips, exploiting a self-adapting passive technology based on a liquid-cooled interposer. It uses passive microstructures to self-adapt cooling in time and space and thus meet the cooling needs of the chip by targeting high cooling chip efficiencies. This approach generates challenge in the micofabrication process for conjugating microfluidic and microelectronic structures within a single device.

Innovative approaches, such as room temperature bonding, as well as passive actuators are in the project objectives.

Description of the project

The two (2) selected candidates will work in the clean rooms of C2MI de Bromont (Quebec) or 3IT Sherbrooke (Quebec) to implement a manufacturing process for intelligent thermal management of cooling in microelectronics. The project will take place in a Class 100 research-grade clean room or in pre-industrial facilities employing 200 mm slices. Close collaboration with partners in France is also expected. The objectives are:

• Integrate a pre-industrial manufacturing process for microfluidic integration into microelectronics;
• Apply an innovative gluing process;
• Establish an alignment strategy compatible with CEA-Leti (partner);
• Fabricate mobile metal microstructures;
• Supervise the transfer of the manufacturing process developed at 3IT to integrate them into C2MI.

Partners

• MiQro Innovation Collaborative Center – C2MI (www.c2mi.ca) – A new center dedicated to MEMS R & D and advanced encapsulation, with state-of-the-art equipment for 200mm slices, in order to bridging the gap between the vanguard of research and mass commercial production.
• Université de Sherbrooke – Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation 3IT (www.3it.ca) – As a flagship institution in micro-nanotechnology in Canada, 3IT’s research activities range from nanomaterials to applications in the field of biotechnology. nanoelectronics, optoelectronics and MEMS.
• European partners
  • France: the Laboratory of Electronics and Information Technology (Leti) and the Innovation Laboratory for New Energy Technologies and Nanomaterials (Liten), located at the National Research Center of the Atomic Energy Commission and alternative energies (CEA);STMicroelectronics, a multinational company engaged in semiconductor technologies;
  • Spain and Germany: IMTEK from Universität Freiburg and the Hahn-Schickard-Gesllschaft research center (Germany); University of Lleida (Spain).

Profile of the candidates

Applicants should have a Ph.D. for 4 years or less (or get it soon) in micro-nanotechnology or related field. In-depth knowledge of typical cleanroom processes and clean room experience is required. They should demonstrate autonomy, adaptability, have teamwork skills and be proactive. Candidates should be fluent in English and / or French. They should be willing to travel to work short periods with European partners.

To apply for this position, please send your detailed CV + letter of motivation + letter of recommendation + sample publications (or thesis) by email to the address below.

Start date

As soon as the candidates are available.

Contact

To apply, Prof. Luc Fréchette, Université de Sherbrooke, Luc.Frechette@usherbrooke.ca