Research Fellow

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.

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. Candidates should expect to be normally present on site during the core working day, approximately 09:00–18:00, Monday to Friday. Regular remote or home working is not compatible with the core duties of this position.

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.

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).

Benefits include an attractive pension scheme, a generous holiday allowance plus Christmas closure, excellent learning and development opportunities, savings on a wide range of products and services, a generous maternity/paternity/adoption/parental leave policy, and onsite childcare facilities. The University is a Living Wage employer and supports flexible working.