Research Associate in Compound Semiconductor Photonics

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Please note that this job is open only to current Cardiff University staff who are eligible for Redeployment.

Research Associate In Compound Semiconductor Photonics

School of Physics & Astronomy

We are looking for a person with knowledge and expertise in fabrication and characterisation of compound semiconductor photonic devices; particularly indium-phosphide based materials. The successful applicant will be joining the Optoelectronics team within the Advanced Semiconductor Technologies (AST) group, in the School of Physics and Astronomy. Activities include design and simulation of datacom lasers and optical amplifiers emitting in the O-band and C-band, with a focus on fabrication and testing of novel device types. The required processes, compatible with wafers up to 150mm in diameter, will be developed within the Institute for Compound Semiconductor (ICS) cleanroom facility with device testing carried out in the Translational Research Hub (TRH).

In this role, you will:

1. Conduct research within compound semiconductor optoelectronic device fabrication and testing 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.
2. Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals.
3. Attend and/or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required.
4. 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.
5. Review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
6. Participate in School research activities.
7. 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.
8. 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, cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities.

We'd like to hear from you if you:

1. Have experience with compound semiconductor device fabrication.
2. Can independently carry out experimental testing on semiconductor lasers and/or optical amplifiers.
3. Are familiar with modelling software used to design photonic devices.
4. Can effectively communicate scientific research and have experience in presenting at conferences.

We can offer you the chance to work in a vibrant organisation, with great benefits and opportunities for progression. We are a proud Living Wage supporter.

This role is eligible to be offered on a blended working basis, meaning that as well as spending time working on campus you may spend some time working from another location, e.g. your home. The University is committed to offering this flexibility, wherever the role and business need allows, supporting work-life balance.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Sameul Shutts at shuttss@cardiff.ac.uk or Courtney Watkins at watkinsc15@cardiff.ac.uk.

This post is full time and fixed-term until May 2025.

Salary: £40,247 - £45,163 per annum (Grade 6)

IMPORTANT NOTE TO CANDIDATES:

It is the University's policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing and we only invite candidates to interview who clearly evidence that they meet (or partially meet) each of the essential criteria. During the application process you will be asked to attach a supporting statement. This statement must outline how you meet the criteria below and we recommend formatting this by using each criteria as a sub-heading and providing your relevant experience/evidence below each sub-heading. It is crucial that you save your supporting statement with the vacancy number (eg. 19509BR) in the filename as failure to do so may result in it being omitted from your application.

When attaching the supporting statement to your application, please ensure that you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance 19588BR.

Closing Date:

Tuesday, 24 December 2024

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

We strongly welcome female applicants and those from an ethnic minority group, as they are under-represented 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.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

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: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Job Description

Main function

To conduct research within compound semiconductor optoelectronic device fabrication and testing 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

1. Conduct research within compound semiconductor optoelectronic device fabrication and testing 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.
2. Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals.
3. Attend and/or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required.
4. 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.
5. Review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
6. Participate in School research activities.

Other

1. 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, cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities.
2. Undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to, and which will enhance performance.
3. Participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
4. 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 nearing completion/submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

1. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
1. Compound semiconductor device fabrication and experience with indium-phosphide processing.
2. Design and characterisation of lasers and/or SOAs.
2. Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field.
3. Proven ability to publish in international journals, present at national/international conferences and/or other research outputs.
4. Proven ability to be successful in competitive research funding.

Communication and Team Working

1. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.
2. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals.

Other

1. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work.
2. Proven ability to work without close supervision.

Desirable Criteria

1. Relevant professional qualification(s).
2. Evidence of collaborations with industry.
3. Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
4. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.