Research Fellow

About the Role

The Semiconductor Research Group within the Department of Physics is seeking to appoint a Research Fellow in Group-IV Semiconductor Materials Science to undertake experimental research on advanced SiGe and Ge-based semiconductor heterostructures, with particular emphasis on the compressively strained germanium-on-silicon (cs-GoS) material platform.

The post will focus primarily on the structural, morphological, optical and electrical characterisation of Group-IV semiconductor materials and devices. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake substantial hands-on experimental work using techniques including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HR-XRD), X-ray reflectivity (XRR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); Hall-effect and resistivity measurements, and C–V and I–V characterisation from ~300 K down to ~300 mK .

The Research Fellow will work closely with colleagues involved in epitaxial growth, device fabrication and electrical transport measurements, and will be expected to correlate structural and materials properties with device performance. The role will include experimental planning, data analysis and interpretation, preparation of scientific publications, presentation of results, and contributions to externally funded collaborative research projects.

The appointment is initially offered on a 12-month fixed-term basis, with the possibility of extension subject to continued funding, project requirements and satisfactory performance.

The post is available for an early start following completion of the recruitment process and all required pre-employment checks.

Working Arrangements:

This is a laboratory-based, on-site position. The research requires extensive hands-on experimental work using specialist laboratories at the University of Warwick. The successful candidate will therefore be expected to work predominantly on site, Monday to Friday, during normal laboratory working hours, and to be routinely available during the working day to undertake experiments, use shared research facilities, collaborate with colleagues and deliver project activities. Candidates should expect to be normally present on site during the core working day, approximately 09:00–18:00, Monday to Friday, subject to contractual working arrangements and the requirements of the experimental programme. Regular remote or home working is not compatible with the core duties of this position. Limited flexibility for specific desk-based activities may be possible where appropriate, subject to operational requirements and University policy.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description (link here).

About You

We are looking for an experimental materials scientist or semiconductor physicist with strong practical experience in the characterisation of Group-IV semiconductor materials, particularly SiGe and Ge-based heterostructures.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate substantial hands-on laboratory experience, rather than solely theoretical knowledge or indirect familiarity, in the structural and physical characterisation of semiconductor materials and devices.

Particular importance will be placed on practical experience and data interpretation using:

• TEM and/or high-resolution TEM, including analysis of epitaxial layer structure, interfaces, defects and strain;
• AFM, including quantitative surface morphology and roughness analysis;
• HR-XRD, including analysis of composition, strain, relaxation, crystalline quality;
• FTIR and related optical characterisation techniques.

Experience with SEM, XRR, Hall-effect and resistivity measurements, C–V and I–V characterisation will also be highly relevant.

Candidates should have a good understanding of epitaxial semiconductor heterostructures and be able to interpret experimental data quantitatively. Familiarity with SiGe epitaxy, CVD growth, semiconductor device processing and the cs-GoS material platform is highly essential.

The successful candidate will be expected to work both independently and collaboratively, plan experimental programmes, meet defined project milestones and deliverables, maintain high standards of laboratory practice and documentation, and communicate research findings effectively in publications, reports and presentations.

Due to the strongly experimental nature of the role, candidates must be prepared to work predominantly on site and to organise their working pattern around laboratory access, experimental schedules and project milestones.

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£35,302 per annum). Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£36,320 per annum).

About the Department

Semiconductor Research Group

For further information about the group, please visit our website at:

https://www.warwick.ac.uk/silicon

Department of Physics

The post will be based in the Department of Physics, a vibrant academic department with 200 academic, research, technical and professional services staff, over 800 undergraduate students and 200 postgraduate research students.

We are proud of our diverse community of staff, students, and visitors, and are committed to maintaining an excellent record in teaching and research by ensuring that there is equality of opportunity for all, fostered in an environment of mutual respect and dignity.

We hold an Athena SWAN Silver award, a national initiative to promote gender equality for all staff and students. We are also a Juno Champion, which is an award from the Institute of Physics to recognise our efforts to address the under-representation of women in university physics and to encourage better practice for both women and men. 

Further information about working in the Department of Physics and the benefits available can be found at www.warwick.ac.uk/physics/staff/working/.

The University supports flexible working and requests for part-time working or job-share will be considered where possible.

Childcare for interviews

Childcare can be provided for you at the University of Warwick Nursery (www.warwick.ac.uk/services/childrensservices/nursery) in order for you to attend the interview. Childcare is subject to availability of places at the Nursery.

How to Apply

To apply please complete your essential personal details and attach a CV and cover letter by the closing date stated. 

We will review applications throughout the advertising period and may contact shortlisted candidates before the closing date. We therefore encourage interested applicants to submit their application as early as possible. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.

Please ensure your CV includes your most recent employment experience along with any additional relevant experience and education history.

Your cover letter should detail your motivation for applying for the role as well as detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.   

The interviews will be held in mid-November.