General information
Organisation
The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a key player in research, development and innovation in four main areas :
• defence and security,
• nuclear energy (fission and fusion),
• technological research for industry,
• fundamental research in the physical sciences and life sciences.
Drawing on its widely acknowledged expertise, and thanks to its 16000 technicians, engineers, researchers and staff, the CEA actively participates in collaborative projects with a large number of academic and industrial partners.
The CEA is established in ten centers spread throughout France
Reference
2025-37615
Description de l'unité
The Electrical Characterization and Reliability Laboratory (LCEF) is responsible for developing and implementing the methodologies required for the electrical characterization and reliability assessment of components, with the goal of enabling their optimization.
By joining us, you will contribute to the development of the memory technologies that will be used in the French and European industries of tomorrow.
Position description
Category
Miscellaneous
Contract
Internship
Job title
High-Endurance Chalcogenide Memories for Next-Generation AI
Subject
This internship will give you the opportunity to study the degradation of chalcogenide memories during cycling, analyze the mechanisms that limit their endurance, and develop innovative strategies to push these limits further.
Contract duration (months)
6 months
Job description
Mission Description:
Discover a unique internship opportunity where you will dive into the heart of innovation in memory technologies. You will develop strong expertise in areas such as electrical characterization and the understanding of degradation phenomena in chalcogenide-based memories.
By joining our multidisciplinary teams, you will play a key role in studying and improving the endurance of Phase-Change Memory (PCM) and Threshold Change Memory (TCM) devices—two promising technologies for high-performance artificial intelligence applications. You will take part in innovative projects combining scientific rigor and applied research on nanoscale devices, working closely with a CEA PhD student who conducts advanced physico-chemical analyses (TEM) to investigate degradation mechanisms.
You will have the opportunity to contribute actively to tasks such as:
- Electrical characterization of PCM and TCM devices to analyze cycling-induced degradation
- Development and evaluation of innovative programming protocols to extend endurance limits
- Proposing solutions to improve the reliability and performance of next-generation memories
- Regular collaboration and discussion with the CEA PhD student to interpret TEM results and draw conclusions about degradation mechanisms
This internship may lead to a PhD opportunity within the same team.
Join us to take on exciting challenges and contribute to research that is shaping the future of memory technologies for artificial intelligence!
Applicant Profile
What Are We Looking For?
You are currently pursuing a Master’s degree (Master 2 or equivalent) in the field of microelectronics.
You are passionate about scientific and technological research and are recognized for your scientific curiosity, initiative, and autonomy.
You have knowledge in semiconductor physics, electrical characterization, and programming (ideally in Python and R).
We are primarily seeking a candidate interested in continuing with a PhD after the internship.
Join us to develop your skills and acquire new ones!
Still unsure? Here’s what we offer:
- The opportunity to work within a world-renowned organization in the field of scientific research
- A unique environment dedicated to ambitious projects addressing today’s major societal challenges
- A cutting-edge experience with strong potential for industrial development
- Exceptional experimental facilities and high-quality supervision
Real career opportunities after your internship - A position located in the heart of the Grenoble metropolitan area, easily accessible by sustainable transportation encouraged by the CEA
- 85% reimbursement of public transport costs
- A recognized work-life balance
- Access to a company restaurant
- A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion
In line with the CEA’s commitment to integrating people with disabilities, this position is open to everyone. The CEA provides accommodations and flexible arrangements to support the inclusion of employees with disabilities.
Position location
Site
Grenoble
Job location
France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Isère (38)
Location
Grenoble
Candidate criteria
Languages
English (Intermediate)
Prepared diploma
Bac+5 - Diplôme École d'ingénieurs
Recommended training
microelectronics
PhD opportunity
Oui
Requester
Position start date
02/02/2026