A transistor (10) is formed in a semiconductor substrate (12) whose top surface (48) is formed with a pedestal structure (24). A conductive material (40) is disposed along a side surface (28) of the pedestal structure to self-align an edge of a first conduction electrode (45) of the transistor. A dielectric spacer (55) is formed along a side surface (49) of the conductive material to self-align a contact area (56) of the first conduction electrode.