MEMS and Nanotechnology ClearinghousePostdoctoral ResearchNortheastern University (Boston, MA)Phone: 617-373-2066 Fax: 617-373-8970 For more information: http://www.ece.neu.edu/edsnu/mcgruer/mcgruer.html/ OverviewOne area of work will be the design, microfabrication, and use of special structures for contact materials evaluation. These structures will be used in an atomic force microscope to study properties of contact materials in microscale contacts and to study the evolution and failure mechanisms of RF MEMS switch contacts. This work will evaluate the effectiveness of different metals, forces, and contact tip geometries for use in RF MEMS switches. Of particular interest is contact evolution, contamination, adhesion, brittle and ductile separation, material transfer, or other mechanisms which lead to failure. A second area of work will be fabrication of RF MEMS switches for contact and packing testing. RequirementsA doctoral degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field is required. The candidate must also have experience in microfabrication. ResponsibilitiesThe individual’s responsibilities will be in the area of RF MEMS switches, with the specific goal of understanding and improving the Ohmic contact. The candidate will help to supervise two graduate students who will also be working on this project. ApplicationEmail your resume and a brief statement of research interests to Professor Nick McGruer (mcgruer@ece.neu.edu) |