Overview

This post is based within the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and affiliated with the National Epitaxy Facility at Sheffield. The Epitaxy group currently has 30 team members including academic members of staff, a facility manager, research fellows and PhD students, and is equipped with two advanced III-nitride based MOVPE systems, comprehensive optical systems for advanced research on III-nitrides and other III-V materials, and extensive facilities for device fabrication and device testing. 

Funded by an international centre-to-centre grant, the post provides an exciting opportunity to lead high quality research and development in device design, fabrication and test in collaboration with leading researchers and industry. Working within a state-of-the-art semiconductor facility, the post provides an ideal opportunity to develop broad and transferable skills in device fabrication and development and would suit individuals committed to a career in academia or industry.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead the development of internationally recognised research in the fabrication of III-Nitride devices and their integration with other materials and device platforms 

• Work closely with Epitaxy specialists and the group’s collaborators to design, fabricate, test and validate advanced III-Nitride device concepts

• Develop device fabrication methods suitable for heterogenous integration of mixed materials and device structures

• Produce technical reports. 

• Contribute to the overall reputation of the University, Department and National Epitaxy Facility as a centre of excellence in III-Nitrides through the development of internationally leading device research and its dissemination in leading international journals and conferences

• Maintain excellent records and documentation of device fabrication within the facility

• Propose innovative new research directions based on novel approaches to developments in device fabrication and heterogeneous integration

• 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.

Essential criteria

• Hold or be close to completing a PhD in semiconductor devices (or have equivalent experience) (assessed at application)

• Hands-on experience and demonstrable record of achievements in the fabrication of semiconductor devices in a cleanroom environment (assessed at application and interview)

• Experience in the structural and optical characterization of semiconductor devices, such as XRD, PL, micro-PL, SEM, AFM, spatial resolved PL, confocal laser system. (assessed as application and interview)

• Experience of publishing in peer-reviewed journals (assessed at application)

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing publications/reports and presenting your findings to a range of audiences. (assessed at application, interview, and presentation)

• Ability to work effectively within a team environment including individuals both internal and external to the University (assessed at application and interview)

• Ability to plan own workload and prioritise conflicting deadlines. (assessed at application and interview)

• Ability to make decisions and apply creative approaches to solving complex technical problems (assessed at application, interview, and presentation).

Desirable criteria

• Strong background in fundamental semiconductor science and technology (assessed at application)

• Ability to lead/mentor less experienced staff and students in device fabrication techniques (assessed at application)

• Experience of the development of intellectual property rights (assessed at application)

Further Information

Grade: 7

Duration: 1 year, starting September 2025

Line manager: Professor Jon Heffernan

For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Jon Heffernan, Professor in Electrical Engineering on jon.heffernan@sheffield.ac.uk.

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in 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 in early 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.