Research Associate

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a Research Assistant/Associate for a 30-month position in their Experimental Semiconductor Physics Group. The role involves fabricating and characterizing molecular thin films for next-generation memristor devices. Ideal candidates will have a PhD or be near completion, with experience in semiconductor cleanroom fabrication and strong analytical skills. The position supports cutting-edge research in AI and sustainable computing.

Qualifications

• PhD candidate or PhD holder in experimental physics, chemistry or a related field.
• Experience in molecular assembly and/or lithographic fabrication is highly desirable.
• Organizational, communication, and team-working skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate and characterize molecular thin films for memristor devices.
• Explore electrical transport properties of ultra-thin structures.
• Develop neuromorphic circuits.

Skills

Device fabrication in a semiconductor cleanroom

Measuring quantum phenomena in nano-devices

Experimental molecular-scale electronics

Strong analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

PhD in experimental physics, physical chemistry, or related field

Job description

The Experimental Semiconductor Physics Group in the Department of Physics at the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge invites applications for a Research Assistant/Associate position within the EPSRC-funded Memristive Organometallic Devices formed from Self-Assembled Multilayers (MemOD) programme.

The post is available for 30 months, or until the end of the grant 30/04/28, (whichever is the earlier). You must have earned, or be about to earn, a PhD in experimental physics, physical chemistry or a related field by the start date. Appointment as a Research Associate requires a PhD; those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant and promoted upon award.

The MemOD programme is a cutting-edge research initiative aimed at transforming artificial intelligence (AI) and computing. This interdisciplinary collaboration between Lancaster University, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Durham seeks to develop high-performance memory devices using self-assembled molecular technology. These novel memory architectures have the potential to deliver faster, more efficient, and energy-saving computing solutions.

You will be responsible for the fabrication and characterisation of molecular thin films for next-generation memristor devices. You will have access to Cambridge's state-of-the-art cleanroom fabrication facilities and measurement systems, allowing you to explore the electrical transport properties of ultra-thin organic and organometallic structures and devices and to develop neuromorphic circuits incorporating them. Prior experience in molecular assembly and/or lithographic fabrication is highly desirable.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have expertise in device fabrication in a semiconductor cleanroom, measuring quantum phenomena in nano-devices and experimental molecular-scale electronics including molecular thin-film assembly and characterisation of organic materials, with knowledge of quantum mechanics in the solid state or molecules.
• Be able to work independently while collaborating effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills and be capable of leading discussions and presenting research.

Key responsibilities of the role are contained in the attached Further Information document.

You will be part of a stimulating interdisciplinary research environment, working towards real-world impact in the fields of AI, quantum materials, and sustainable computing while supporting the UK's Net-Zero mission. The MemOD team is at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, including room-temperature logic-in-memory operations, advanced molecular anchoring techniques, and CMOS-compatible graphene electrodes.

You will join an interdisciplinary team under the supervision of Professor Christopher Ford at the Cavendish Laboratory, in its new Ray Dolby Centre. You will also collaborate closely with the wider MemOD team, including:

• Professor Ben Robinson (Department of Physics, Lancaster University)
• Professor Martin Bryce (Department of Chemistry, University of Durham)
• Professor Colin Lambert (Department of Physics, Lancaster University)

The successful candidate will hold (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline, with a proven track record in relevant research. Knowledge of quantum mechanics in the solid state is useful. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong background in cleanroom fabrication or self-assembly techniques, and experience in measuring quantum phenomena in nano-devices. Organizational, communication, and team-working skills are essential.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

For questions about the vacancy, contact Professor Chris Ford ( [e-mail] ).

For more information on quantum device and molecular-electronics research at the University of Cambridge, visit https://www.sp.phy.cam.ac.uk/research/

For more information on research in the Department of Physics please visit http://www.phys.cam.ac.uk/

Please quote reference KA46846 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.