Research Associate in Metalorganic Vapour Phase Epitaxy

12750BR

School of Physics & Astronomy

Research

Advert

Research Associate in Metalorganic Vapour Phase Epitaxy
Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy

We are recruiting a highly-motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in III-V Metalorganic Vapour Phase Epitaxy. The appointee will join the school of physics and astronomy of Cardiff University and will be part of a team working on compound semiconductor epitaxy and device integration. 

The envisioned research will develop advanced epitaxy techniques that can enable integrated optoelectronic devices on the silicon platform, facilitate fabrication of devices made of low dimensional semiconductor structures such as quantum dots and nanowires, and optical and electrical characterisation of epitaxial devices. This work will focus specifically in III-As/P/Sb materials integrated on mismatched substrates for communication and sensing applications with relevance to industrial collaborators.  

The successful candidate will have a PhD degree focusing on compound semiconductor materials and devices or a closely related subject. Hands-on ability in III-As/P/Sb growth by MOVPE is essential.  Additional knowledge and skills associated with cleanroom fabrication as well as materials/device characterisations are also desired.  You will have an appropriate publication track record and effective communication skills to network effectively with academics and industrial collaborators.

Please submit with your completed application, your full CV and a statement of research interests and career goals (2 pages max).

This full-time post (35 hours per week) is fixed term for two years with an anticipated start date in Jan. 2022 or as early as possible. 

Salary: £34,304 -  £40,927 per annum (Grade 6)

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Dr Qiang Li on [email protected] or Helen James [email protected]

For informal enquiries about working at Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy please contact  [email protected] or [email protected]

Date advert posted: Tuesday, 9 November 2021

Closing date: Tuesday, 7 December 2021

This post has previously been advertised to employees of Cardiff University only.  We now invite external applications.

Cardiff University and the School of Physics and Astronomy are committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity. Our inclusive environment welcomes applications from talented people from diverse backgrounds. We strongly welcome female applicants and those from any ethnic minority group, as they are underrepresented in our School. The School of Physics & Astronomy has a Juno Practitioner accreditation that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. The University is committed to ensuring that we sustain a positive working environment for all staff to flourish and achieve. As part of this commitment, the University has developed a flexible and responsive framework of procedures to support staff in managing their work and personal commitments wherever possible. Applications are welcome from individuals who wish to work part-time or full time. 

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

“Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/our-research-environment/integrity-and-ethics/responsible-research-assessment”

Job Description

Main function

To conduct research within Metalorganic Vapour Phase Epitaxy (MOVPE) and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Main Duties and Responsibilities: 

Research
⦁    To conduct research within Metalorganic Vapour Phase Epitaxy (MOVPE) and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
⦁    To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals.
⦁    To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required.
⦁    To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
⦁    To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.
⦁    To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
⦁    To participate in School research activities.
⦁    To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions,   explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects.

Other
⦁    To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally  to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
⦁    To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
⦁    To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
⦁    Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education
1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level or equivalent with hands-on experience in III-As/P/Sb material growth by metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE).

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2.    An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
i.    III-V heteroepitaxy on silicon and silicon-on-insulator substrates including metamorphic buffer growth, patterned growth, selective confined epitaxy etc.
ii.    Materials characterisation and cleanroom fabrication skills to facilitate III-V/Si integration.

3.    Knowledge of current status of research in III-V/Si integration and silicon photonics. 

4.    Proven ability to publish in international journals, conference presentations and technical society participation associated with semiconductor materials and epitaxial devices. 

5.    Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies. 

Communication and Team Working
6.    Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.

7.    Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals.

Other
8.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work.

9.    Proven ability to work without close supervision.

Desirable Criteria 

1.    Hands-on experience in III-V device fabrication and characterisation. 

2.    Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School. 

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria.
As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance, 12750BR.  

Job Category

Academic - Research