The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

We are recruiting for a Research Associate who will be based at the EPSRC National Epitaxy Facility in Sheffield in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. You will carry out original research on III-V semiconductor epitaxy contributing to a number of research projects in the areas of quantum technologies and integrated photonics. The Facility currently supports over £100M of research grants in more than 30 UK Universities and plays a major role in UK semiconductor research through the provision of world class epitaxial materials.

You will be responsible for the development of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) of III-V semiconductors, such as As, P, Sb or Bi-based, and will have access to three MBE reactors in the Facility as well as major infrastructure for characterization and device fabrication. You will develop epitaxy techniques for major innovations, including site-control of quantum dots, selective area growth, hybrid metal-semiconductor structures, and new types of mixed materials for lasers and detectors. You will also work with a range of collaborators and users of the Facility and will play a critical role in the development of unique and pioneering device concepts through world-class advanced MBE growth. 

This post provides an ideal and exciting opportunity to make a difference in this highly topical field and to lead high quality research in collaboration with leading researchers and industry in a National Facility. 

Main duties and responsibilities

• Conduct internationally recognised research in MBE growth of III-V semiconductor materials in the National Epitaxy Facility.

• Support the development of innovative new device concepts through the provision of world-class MBE-grown epitaxial wafers.

• Contribute to overall support and management of the MBE reactors in the department including capability development, H&S management, repairs and maintenance management, upgrades, and quality control, in collaboration with other epitaxy colleagues and technicians in the School and Faculty.

• Contribute to the overall reputation of the University, School and National Epitaxy Facility as a centre of excellence in MBE epitaxy through the development of internationally leading epitaxy research and its dissemination in leading international journals and conferences.

• Contribute to the training and supervision of students, and the provision of training courses and outreach activities for users of the National Facility and collaborating colleagues, including industrial partners.

• Maintain excellent records and documentation of epitaxial growth following the Facility’s ISO9001-certified Quality Management procedures.

• Communicate and report regularly in a highly professional manner to a range of stakeholders.

• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.

• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on week commencing 28 July 2025. This will consist of an interview and a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 21 July 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact eee-postaward@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.

• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.

• Generous pension scheme.

• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.

• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).

• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.

• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.

• A range of generous family-friendly policies

  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies

  • support for those going through the menopause

  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment

  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.