Research Assistant

Advert

Research Assistant – Optoelectronics

We are recruiting one or more enthusiastic, highly-motivated team-players with research and technical knowledge in the area of III-V Compound Semiconductor optoelectronic device design and characterisation as part of the EPSRC funded Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub and Strength in Places CS Connected Project to develop optoelectronic devices and integrated circuits.  

The successful applicant(s) will work as a research scientist as part of a team advancing state of the art technology through academic discovery.

You will have some experience of research or working in industry related to compound semiconductors and be keen to develop a career in research and development.. 

Please submit with your completed application form your full CV and a statement of how you address each of the essential criteria (2 pages max)  in the person specification.

This is a fixed-term post suitable for those wishing to work in a part time or job sharing pattern, starting Autumn 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter, for an 18 month duration.

Salary: £28,762 – £33,314 per annum, pro-rata if worked part-time (Grade 5).
The appointment will be made, dependent on relevant qualifications and experience.

Informal enquiries about the post can be made by email to Prof. Peter Smowton (SmowtonPM@cardiff.ac.uk), or Hazel Hung (HungH2@cardiff.ac.uk).
Informal enquiries about working at Cardiff University can be made to PhysicsHR Team (PhysicsHR@cardiff.ac.uk )

Date advert posted: Thursday, 15 September 2022

Closing date: Thursday, 13 October 2022

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

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 who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world.  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.

“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: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/our-research-environment/integrity-and-ethics/responsible-research-assessment”  

Job Description

⦁    To conduct research on optoelectronic devices and integrated circuits incorporating lasers and other components and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including academic journals and conferences and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
⦁    To develop research ideas and proposals for own or joint research including contributing to research funding proposals.
⦁    To attend and or present at conferences/seminars as required.
⦁    To 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.
⦁    To prepare research ethics and governance applications as appropriate.
⦁    To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
⦁    To contribute to the operation and maintenance of a research-grade facility.
⦁    To enable, inform and contribute to the development of Compound Semiconductor device fabrication and characterisation.
⦁    To monitor and report status and progress to the Programme Manager and Principal Investigator.
⦁    To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, explore future research requirements and share research ideas for the benefit of the research projects.
⦁    To participate in School research activities.
⦁    To 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, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
⦁    To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
⦁    To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
⦁    To carry out 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) in Compound Semiconductor Physics or a related topic.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

2.    An established expertise and proven portfolio of research achievement within the field of compound semiconductor optoelectronics devices, based on based group III-V Compound Semiconductors.

3.    Specialisation in either semiconductor device fabrication or materials or device characterisation
a.    and a knowledge of the other.

4.    Proven ability to publish in journals.
5.    Proven ability of successful collaborations with industry and / or the ability to develop networks and   interdisciplinary links with researchers in other institutes to enhance research outcomes.

6.    Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies 

Communication and Team Working

7.    Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.

8.    Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other

9.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work

10.    Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria 

11. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research achievement in semiconductor lasers.
12. Evidence of track record in project management and familiarity with project management tools.
13. Evidence of intellectual property generation.
14. Evidence of a commitment to public outreach.

Additional Information

To conduct research on optoelectronic device design and characterisation as part of an exciting and scientifically leading programme of work developing next generation optoelectronic devices and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality publications.

Job Category

Academic – Research