Postdoc in Ultra-High Power Wide Bandgap Semiconductor RF Devices: Thermal Management and Design

Physics World; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A research institute focused on semiconductor technologies is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead research in thermal management and reliability of advanced semiconductor devices. Responsibilities include using optical laser-based systems and working collaboratively with a dedicated team. Ideal candidates will have a PhD in a relevant field and extensive expertise in semiconductor materials. This position is funded for two years.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate experience or equivalent professional qualification in relevant fields.
• Good publication record in the area of semiconductor devices.
• Experience in thermal characterization and optical measurement techniques.

Responsibilities

• Transform thermal management of novel electronic semiconductor devices and chips.
• Use optical laser-based systems to study temperature and electric fields.
• Collaborate within a team and co-supervise PhD students.

Skills

Semiconductor materials expertise

Thermal characterization

Optical measurement techniques

Thermal management

Education

PhD in Physics, Materials Science or Engineering

Tools

ATLAS

ANSYS

Job description

Postdoc in Ultra-High Power Wide Bandgap Semiconductor RF Devices: Thermal Management and Design

Applications are invited for the role of Postdoctoral Researcher position at the Centre for Device Thermography and Reliability (CDTR), led by Professor Kuball. This role focuses on transforming thermal management and reliability of novel electronic semiconductor devices/chips, using in part wide and ultra-wide bandgap materials, such as GaN, Ga2O3, BN, AlN and diamond.

An area of research interest, for example, is the recycling of heat waste energy generated by the electronic chip, however you will also assess overall heat transport within the chips, their packaging and systems. You will use new optical laser-based systems to study temperature as well as electric fields with sub-micron spatial resolution, as these limit device performance and reliability. In this context, new material and device structures will be designed and studied. Expertise in optical laser-based systems and thermal / thermomechanical simulations are of benefit for this position. You will have the opportunity to study unique device structures, apply thermal imaging techniques for nm-scale devices and access the extensive device testing suite available in Bristol, from advanced electrical, thermal to electric field analysis of devices and simulation tools (ATLAS, ANSYS). You will collaborate within our 35-member team, our academic and industrial partners and have the opportunity to make a major impact on future power device technology.

The CDTR leads numerous UK and international strategic programmes on power and RF electronics, including the European Innovation Accelerator, part of Horizon Europe, programme CoolbrAIn, the EPSRC programme ULTRAlGaN and the UKRI Innovation and Knowledge Centre REWIRE. This position benefits from the Chair in Emerging Technologies awarded to Professor Kuball by the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) and various US funded programmes.

Applicants should have postgraduate (PhD) experience in Physics, Materials Science or Engineering, or be working towards one, or have equivalent professional qualification/experience, ideally with a good publication record. This position requires extensive experience in semiconductor materials / devices, thermal characterization of materials or devices, and in optical measurement techniques. A willingness to work together with, and co-supervise, PhD students will be necessary.

The position has funding for 2 years in the first instance.

Informal enquiries (not applications) to Professor M. Kuball, [e-mail], tel [phone].

The University is committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive culture. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities, especially from women and other groups currently under-represented in our department.