Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow

Faculty of Environment, Science & Economy

This EPSRC funded post is available full-time from 01/03/2023 (or as soon as possible thereafter) for a period of 30 months.

The post

The Department of Engineering wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow to support the work of Prof C David Wright in the area of non-von Neumann computing hardware for AI applications. The successful applicant will carry out research primarily into the design and simulation/modelling of novel mixed-mode (photonic-electronic) integrated phase-change computing devices and systems, focusing in particular on matrix-vector multiplier type co-processors.

Assistance in experimental studies, i.e. the fabrication and characterisation of prototype materials and devices, mayl also be required. The work will be carried out within the EPSRC project APT-NuCOM, in collaboration with the universities of Oxford and Southampton. The post will also involve providing written and verbal reports as required. For background information on APT-NuCOM technologies, see some of our previous work at doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-03070-1 and doi.org/10.1002/advs.202200383.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or be in the process of submitting their PhD thesis) and will also be:

• Experienced and skilled at computational modelling of photonic, optoelectronic or electronic devices and/or systems, ideally including phase-change material based devices and/or systems
• Experienced and skilled at thin film deposition techniques, in particular RF and DC sputtering
• Experienced and skilled at nanofabrication techniques, in particular including e-beam lithography or related techniques
• Experienced and skilled at common methods of materials and electrical/optical device characterisation

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role at either level.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022).  

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City .

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

For further information please contact Prof C David Wright, e-mail [email protected] or telephone (01392) 723614.

The closing date for completed applications is 18/12/2022.  Interviews are expected to take place by the end of January 2023.