Agentic AI/Plasma Developer - KTP Associate

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

£5,000 training budget

Industry–academia collaboration

Conferences and papers opportunities

Flexible project leadership early on

Job summary

The University of Exeter invites applications for a 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate with Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology Ltd. The role will apply agentic AI to semiconductor processing modelling, based mainly at OIPT Severn Beach, Bristol, with occasional Exeter visits.

You will be employed by the University of Exeter and collaborate across academia and industry. Ideal candidates hold a Masters in CS or Physics, are proficient in Python, and have strong analytical

Qualifications

• Master's level in CS/Physics or related field.
• Proficiency in Python and interest in machine learning.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary academic–industry team.
• Experience managing research projects.
• Well-organised, self-motivated and able to prioritise.
• Enthusiasm for hands-on experimental work alongside modelling.
• Adaptable to a fast-paced commercial environment.
• Understanding of health and safety and research record-keeping.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive working practices.

Responsibilities

• Work on the 30-month KTP applying AI to semiconductor processing systems.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners across Exeter and OIPT.
• Contribute to modelling and experimental validation of processes.
• Publish findings and present at relevant conferences.

Skills

AI/ML engineering

Python

Data analysis

Strong communication

Project management

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Experimental work

Commercial awareness

Education

Master's degree in CS/Physics

Job description

Agentic AI/Plasma Developer - KTP Associate

(reference:1297)

This is a full time position available immediately on a 30-month fixed term contract. This role will be based at OIPT in Severn Beach, Bristol with occasional visits the university of Exeter.

The starting salary will be from £43,482 - £46,049 on Grade (F) depending on qualifications, skills and experience.

The Role

An exciting opportunity has become available to work on a 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Exeter and Oxford Instrument Plasma Technology Limited (OIPT). The KTP will apply advanced agentic-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to the modelling of semiconductor processing systems, addressing productivity challenges in High Volume Manufacture sector. Specifically, this enables a timely response to customer challenges and market trends in an environment that is increasingly brittle, anxious, non-linear, and incomprehensible (BANI).

The successful candidate will be employed by the University of Exeter and will spend the majority of their time working at OIPT in Severn Beach, Bristol with occasional visits to the University of Exeter.

Company Information

Oxford Instruments Nanotechnology Tools Limited, trading as Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology (OIPT), is a leading provider of plasma etch and deposition processing equipment. OIPT currently offers solutions for plasma etching and deposition, ion beam etching and deposition, and atomic layer etching and deposition, for the production of advanced microelectronics. More information about Oxford Instrument Plasma Technology Ltd can be found here: https://plasma.oxinst.com/.

Qualification / Skills We Require

• Educated to a Masters level in Computer Science, Physics or in a related field of study or equivalent experience.
• Strong expertise in advanced AI/machine learning engineering or strong expertise in plasma physics and numerical methods.
• Proficiency in Python and interest in machine learning.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with ability to interpret complex datasets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to mixed academic and industrial audiences.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary academic–industry team, with commercial awareness.
• Experience of managing research projects or contributing significantly to collaborative research.
• Well‑organised, self‑motivated, and able to prioritise work independently within a project framework.
• Enthusiasm for hands‑on experimental work alongside computational modelling.
• Adaptable and able to work effectively in a fast‑paced commercial environment.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements and good research record‑keeping practices.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive working practices.
• Willingness to work at OIPT in Severn Beach, Bristol with visits to the University of Exeter as required, and flexibility to meet project demands.

Benefits

• A £5,000 training budget with 10% of your working time dedicated to personal development.
• A unique and challenging career opportunity, working in both industry and academia.
• The possibility for the right candidate to create an impactful and rewarding career with Oxford Instrument Plasma Technology Ltd, following completion of this project
• The successful applicant will develop a wide range of industrial and research skills for their future career, utilising the skills and knowledge of company supervisors, as well as benefitting from continuous academic support.
• The opportunity to manage and lead on a project early on in your career.
• Author academic papers and present at conferences.
• Specific KTP residential training.

Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Professor Gavin Tabor - [e-mail] at University of Exeter or email Kris Balo - [e-mail] at Oxford Instrument Plasma Technology Ltd.

• About The Division
• Not Specified
• About Us
• Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit‑based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Why our colleagues love working here

• Flexible working opportunities and leading parental leave initiatives
• Generous annual leave (39-41 days including bank holidays)
• Competitive pension contributions
• A genuine dedication to supporting the health and wellbeing of all colleagues - see initiatives here
• Sustainability and the environment being at the heart of what we do
• A £4,000 training budget with 10% of your working time dedicated to personal development
• A unique and challenging career opportunity, working with both industry and academia
• You will develop a wide range of industrial and research skills for their future career, utilising the skills and knowledge of company supervisors, as well as benefitting from continuous academic support
• The opportunity to manage and lead on a project early on in your career
• Specific KTP residential training
• The possibility to write academic papers and present at conferences

How We Can Help

If you're considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at [e-mail]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.