Project 1: ALD and ALE of Oxide and Nitride Thin Films (2 Positions) (PI: Dr. Hao Van Bui)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This project, funded by Lam Research and Anric Technologies (USA), focuses on developing atomic layer deposition (ALD) and atomic layer etching (ALE) processes for the deposition and etching of dielectric oxide and wide-bandgap nitride thin films, using thermal and plasma-enhanced (vacuum-based) ALD techniques, for application in semiconductor technologies.
YOUR TASKS
As a PhD student, you will be expected to actively contribute to both fundamental and applied research in atomic layer processing. Your main tasks include:
Develop and optimize thermal and plasma-enhanced ALD/ALE processes for dielectric oxide and wide-bandgap nitride thin films using a vacuum-based ALD system provided by Anric Technologies, USA.
Investigate the surface reactions and film growth/etching mechanisms of ALD/ALE processes.
Perform comprehensive thin-film characterization, including thickness, uniformity, structure, composition, and electrical properties using techniques such as SE, SEM, XRD, XPS and electrical probe stations.
Collaborate with national and international research partners (Lam Research, Anric Technologies and other research groups) and contribute to joint experiments and publications.
Contribute to mentoring undergraduate or master’s students involved in related research projects.
YOUR PROFILE
A highly motivated candidate with excellent academic skills.
A master's degree (or outstanding bachelor’s degree) in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related fields.
Hands-on experiences in thin film deposition (CVD, ALD, Sputtering) and materials characterization techniques (Spectroscopic Ellipsometry, SEM, XRD, XPS, electrical characterization...).
Good written and verbal communication skills in English (minimum B2 level or equivalent: IELTS 5.0/TOEFL 60/TOEIC 600).
OUR OFFER
Fully covered tuition-free and research costs (e.g., materials, chemicals, and material characterization costs).
A monthly gross salary of 10.000.000 VND in the first year, which may increase to 12.500.000 - 15.000.000 VND from the second year depending on the research performance.
Opportunity for short-term (1–3 months) or long-term (3–6 months) research exchanges at partner laboratories in Europe, the United States and South Korea.
Opportunities to participate in international ALD/ALE conferences (e.g., AVS ALD/ALE, Asian Pacific ALD), including at least one overseas conference.
State-of-the-art research facilities and a dynamic ecosystem with an enthusiastic team in a stimulating scientific environment.
INFORMATION AND APPLICATION
Please send your application to Dr. Hao Van Bui (hao.buivan@phenikaa-uni.edu.vn) by 8th February 2026. Applications should include a specific motivation letter and a detailed CV. The project will start on 1st March 2026.
For more information, please refer to ALD Research Group website: https://aldlab.phenikaa-uni.edu.vn/home.
Project 2: Single-Atom and Dual-Atom Catalysts by Fluidized-Bed Atomic Layer Deposition (1 Position) (PI: Dr. Hao Van Bui)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This project focuses on the synthesis of single-atom and dual-atom catalysts using fluidized-bed atomic layer deposition (FB-ALD). This approach enables precise control of material deposition at the atomic level. The targeted applications include electrocatalysis and clean energy technologies.
YOUR TASKS
As a PhD student, you will actively contribute to the development of advanced catalyst materials using atomic layer deposition on powder substrates. Your main tasks include:
Design and develop fluidized-bed ALD processes for the synthesis of single-atom and dual-atom catalysts on high-surface-area supports.
Optimize the deposition parameters (precursor chemistry, temperature, pulse/exposure time, cycle number, and fluidization conditions) to achieve atomic-level dispersion and loading control.
Investigate the nucleation, anchoring mechanisms, and stability of isolated metal atoms and atom pairs on different support materials
Perform structural, chemical, and morphological characterizations of the catalysts using techniques such as HR-SEM, TEM/HAADF-STEM, XPS, XRD, ICP-OES, BET, FTIR, and TGA (in-house facilities and in collaboration with international partners: Prof. Se-Hun Kwon, Prof. J. Ruud van Ommen, Prof. Patrica Kooyman).
Collaborate with national and international research partners (TU Delft, Pusan National University and University of Cape Town) and contribute to joint experiments and publications.
Contribute to mentoring undergraduate or master’s students involved in related research projects.
YOUR PROFILE
A highly motivated candidate with excellent academic skills.
A master's degree (or outstanding bachelor’s degree) in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related fields.
Hands-on experiences in thin film deposition (CVD, ALD, Sputtering), materials characterization techniques (HR-SEM, XRD, ICP-OES, BET, FTIR, TGA and electrochemical measurements).
Good written and verbal communication skills in English (minimum B2 level or equivalent: IELTS 5.0/TOEFL 60/TOEIC 600).
OUR OFFER
Fully covered tuition-free and research costs (e.g., materials, chemicals, and material characterization costs).
A monthly gross salary of 10.000.000 VND in the first year, which may increase to 12.500.000 - 15.000.000 VND from the second year depending on the research performance.
Opportunity for short-term (1–3 months) or long-term (3–6 months) research exchanges at partner laboratories in Europe, the United States and South Korea.
Opportunities to participate in international ALD/ALE conferences (e.g., AVS ALD/ALE, Asian Pacific ALD), including at least one overseas conference.
State-of-the-art research facilities and a dynamic ecosystem with an enthusiastic team in a stimulating scientific environment.
INFORMATION AND APPLICATION
Please send your application to Dr. Hao Van Bui (hao.buivan@phenikaa-uni.edu.vn) by 8th February 2026. Applications should include a specific motivation letter and a detailed CV. The project will start on 1st March 2026.
For more information, please refer to ALD Research Group website: https://aldlab.phenikaa-uni.edu.vn/home.