Research Fellow in Molecular Beam Epitaxy of III-V/Si Materials and Devices (2 positions) Full-time

Research Fellow in Molecular Beam Epitaxy of III-V/Si Materials and Devices

We are seeking to appoint two outstanding Research Fellows to join our internationally recognised semiconductor photonics research programme within the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering at University College London (UCL). The successful candidates will contribute to the EPSRC Programme Grant Quantum Dot on Silicon Systems for Communications, Information Processing and Sensing (QUDOS). The programme brings together world-leading researchers from UCL, Cardiff University, the University of Cambridge and the University of Southampton to develop next-generation integrated photonic technologies based on monolithically integrated III-V compound semiconductors on silicon.

The QUDOS Programme Grant is a major EPSRC investment aimed at developing high-performance quantum dot materials, photonic integrated circuits and optoelectronic devices on silicon for future communication, sensing and information-processing technologies. Building on pioneering demonstrations of directly grown telecommunications-wavelength lasers on silicon, the programme seeks to establish scalable monolithic integration technologies that combine the superior optical performance of compound semiconductors with the manufacturing advantages of silicon platforms. The research has the potential to transform photonic integration in a manner analogous to the impact that silicon integrated circuits have had on modern electronics, enabling unprecedented functionality, scalability and cost-effectiveness.

The Research Fellows will play a leading role in the epitaxial growth and development of advanced III-V and silicon-based semiconductor materials and optoelectronic devices using molecular beam epitaxy. The role will involve conducting independent research, developing new device structures, operating and maintaining advanced MBE facilities, and contributing to the broader research objectives of the QUDOS programme.

The roles are available immediately until 30th April 2027 in the first instance. Further funding to support the posts may be available. Subject to project requirements, an extension may be possible through a subsequent Programme Grant, Boundless light: Fibre optic systems unconstrained by glass properties (BOUNDLESS).

Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant area of physical sciences or engineering. A first degree in theoretical physics, applied mathematics, materials sciences or electrical engineering is essential.

You should strong experience on the operation and maintenance of III-V solid-source MBE and/or Group-IV MBE facility, as well as a strong track-record on the research outcomes of MBE-growth of III-V compound semiconductor materials and/or Group-IV materials. The successful candidate will have in-depth knowledge of the mechanism of QD lasers and strong experience on the heteroepitaxial growth of QD lasers.

The ability to analyse and write up data in the form of journal papers and reports is desirable.

If the successful candidate has not yet been awarded their PhD, appointment will be made as a Research Assistant (Grade 6B). Payment at Grade 7 will be backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis including corrections, once the PhD has been awarded.

To apply for the role, click the 'Apply Now' button at the bottom or top of the page. Applications close on 16th October at 23:59. A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. Informal enquiries regarding this post can be addressed to Prof Huiyun Liu huiyun.liu@ucl.ac.uk. For questions regarding the application process please contact Rebecca Thomas at becca.thomas@ucl.ac.uk.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.