3520126BA - Research Fellow in III-V Epitaxy for Optoelectronics

University of Southampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Disability Confident employer scheme

Generous holiday allowance

Job summary

The University of Southampton invites applications for a Research Fellow in III-V Epitaxy for Optoelectronics within the Optoelectronics Research Centre in Southampton. The post focuses on developing epitaxial growth technologies for integrating III-V materials on silicon and other platforms, with MOVPE/MBE growth and device integration.

You will work in a multidisciplinary team, collaborate with external partners, travel to partner sites, and contribute to high-impact publications and

Qualifications

• PhD in Electronic Engineering, Photonics or Physics or closely related field is essential/near completion.
• Hands-on experience with III-V epitaxy (MOVPE/MBE) required.
• Experience in semiconductor device fabrication and optical/electrical characterisation desirable.

Responsibilities

• Grow and optimise III-V semiconductor materials using MOVPE/MBE.
• Characterise materials and devices (optical, electrical, structural).
• Contribute to device fabrication and integration within silicon photonics facilities.
• Collaborate with external epitaxy facilities and project partners; travel to partner sites as needed.

Skills

MOVPE growth

MBE growth

Device fabrication

Semiconductor characterisation

Collaborative research

Education

PhD in Electronic Engineering/Photonics/Physics

Tools

Cleanroom equipment

Job description

3520126BA - Research Fellow in III-V Epitaxy for Optoelectronics

Company: University of Southampton Salary: £36,636 to £44,746 a year Hours: Full-time Location: Southampton, SO17 1BJ Working pattern: On‑site Job type: Contract Posting date: 5 Oct 2026 Closing date: 2 Nov 2026

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow with expertise in semiconductor epitaxy to join the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton, one of the world's leading centres for photonics research.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team developing advanced III‑V semiconductor materials and integrated optoelectronic devices on silicon. The research programme focuses on the development of innovative epitaxial growth technologies for the integration of III‑V materials on silicon and other lattice‑mismatched platforms, enabling next‑generation photonic devices for optical communications, sensing and emerging quantum technologies.

The role will involve the growth and optimisation of III‑V semiconductor materials using Metalorganic Vapour Phase Epitaxy (MOVPE), together with the optical, electrical and structural characterisation of materials and devices. The successful candidate will also contribute to device fabrication and integration activities within Southampton's internationally renowned silicon photonics and nanofabrication facilities.

During the initial phase of the project, the postholder will work closely with external epitaxy facilities and project partners to undertake growth campaigns and advance the research programme while new III‑V epitaxy infrastructure is established at Southampton. The role will therefore involve travel to partner organisations and requires the ability to work independently, and confidence in collaborating effectively with academic and industrial partners.

You should hold a PhD (or near completion) in Electronic Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a closely related discipline. Hands‑on experience in the epitaxial growth of III‑V semiconductors, including III‑As/P/Sb and/or III‑nitride materials using metal‑organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) or molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), is essential. Experience in semiconductor device fabrication, cleanroom processing, and optical or electrical characterisation techniques is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will have a strong publication record relative to career stage, excellent communication skills, and the ability to contribute effectively to a collaborative research environment spanning multiple institutions and industrial partners. You will be expected to disseminate research findings through high‑quality publications and conference presentations, while helping to develop new research directions and collaborative opportunities.

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work.

• With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.