KTP Associate: Semiconductor Sensor Development Scientist

Job Purpose

To work on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership funded programme with the aim of embedding expertise in group III-V and group IV semiconductor materials, allowing for the creation of new products within Silson.

The industrial partner for this project is Silson Limited. (), who are a world leader in the manufacture and sale of ultra-thin membranes and related consumables for scientific R&D. Silson are constantly looking to expand their product range for their global market. The aim of this project is to allow Silson to diversify into the supply of devices (such as pressure sensors) for the aerospace market.

Silson is a small, family-run business that has been established for over 30 years and is based in Southam Warwickshire; the post will be predominantly based at Silson's site with visits to the University of Glasgow campus and off-site facilities.

For informal enquiries or further information about the project, please contact Professor Stephen Sweeney ( )

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Identify target sensor applications, design and manufacture a number of new semiconductor materials and devices. Semiconductor epitaxy and fabrication are highly specialist skills and that are in growing demand owing to the plethora of applications.

2. Develop an understanding of device approaches, optimum epitaxy growth conditions, and the sensitivity of this to particular design requirements (alloy combinations and heterostructures), and translating this into products for Silson. This will require receiving, and delivering, training in advanced semiconductor modelling, semiconductor epitaxy and advanced nanofabrication.

3. Manage resources and to schedule research and development activities while working closely with several internal and external partners in terms of both supply and delivery. Key challenges will be associated with scheduling and keeping a multi-dimensional project on-track, juggling translational research with a need to deliver a commercially viable product. The Associate will be closely supported in all of these activities by the academic and commercial teams.

4. To keep up to date with current developments in the subject field and market trends.

5. To carry out administrative tasks associated with research assigned by the Line Manager and Industrial Partner.

6. To contribute to College-School research strategy, culture, meetings and related training.

8. Training will be given on the use of a wide-range of nano- and micro-fabrication tools within the Silson cleanroom suite, including; photolithography, reactive-ion etching, e-beam evaporation, wet chemical etching and a variety of metrology equipment. Training in epitaxy and semiconductor processing will also be provided at the University of Glasgow. These systems and processes will be used to produce prototypes of the designed sensors.

9. There will be opportunities to visit customers and partners and to attend/present at relevant international conferences and exhibitions in the fields of semiconductors, photonics and sensors

The position offers the KTP Associate the following benefits:

Opportunity of a permanent position with the company; 70% of host companies make a permanent job offer to their Associate at the end of the project.

Apply your academic knowledge to a real-life challenge.

Manage your own substantial training and development budget.

The chance to manage a challenging, real-world project within an innovative company.

Dedicated coaching, mentoring and personal development.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or alternatively the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).

A2 Have a broad knowledge of semiconductors, from basic principles to devices

Skills

Essential:

C1 Ability to write and present technical reports, at project meetings and higher-level internal meetings, adapting their presentation style to suit their audience based on technical ability

C2 Ability to plan and achieve project targets and demonstrate problem-solving capability.

C3 Strong desire to work in the semiconductor industry and to develop your knowledge and skills in modelling and advanced manufacturing methods

C4 Self-motivated and hard-working

C5 Reliable, adaptable and have good analytical and practical skills

C6 Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Experience

Essential:

E1 The Associate will have doctoral level experience in physics, materials science or engineering.

E2 Experience in the modelling of semiconductor materials and/or devices

E3 Familiarity with computer programming using python or related techniques

E4 Experience in the characterization of semiconductor materials and/or devices

E5 Familiarity/awareness of semiconductor epitaxy approaches

Closing date: 13 August 2025

Terms and Conditions

The salary shall be determined by the Researcher, the University and the KTP partner. The amount shall be appropriate to the experience and qualifications of the appointed Researcher, up to £43,000 per annum.

This post is full time and fixed term for up to 30 months

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit:

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