Research Associate

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sheffield invites applications for a Research Associate to undertake high-quality research in avalanche photodiodes within an EPSRC project. Based in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, you will fabricate and characterise near-infrared avalanche diodes from III-V materials, and prepare technical reports for the consortium and funders.

Working with another Research Associate, you will publish results in peer-reviewed journals and train PhD students, while

Qualifications

• Hold or be close to completing a PhD in infrared avalanche photodiodes based on III-V semiconductor materials (or equivalent experience).
• Experience of device fabrication of III-V avalanche photodiodes.
• Experience of using and developing electrical and optical characterisation setups for III-V avalanche photodiodes.
• Experience of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing publications/reports and presenting findings to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment including internal and external collaborators.
• Ability to plan own workload and prioritise conflicting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct internationally recognised research in photodiodes based on III-V semiconductor materials.
• Carry out device fabrication and characterisation of avalanche photodiodes, optimising procedures as required.
• Collaborate with staff and students to maximise research progress.
• Maintain records and write project reports/deliverables for consortium/funder.
• Communicate results to stakeholders and funders.
• Contribute to training and supervision of students in the group.

Skills

Photodiodes research

Device fabrication

Electrical/optical testing

Publish in journals

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Project planning

Education

PhD in infrared avalanche photodiodes

Tools

Characterisation equipment

Device fabrication equipment

Job description

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

The post provides an exciting opportunity to carry out high-quality research in the field of avalanche photodiodes, in collaboration with UK industry partners. Based in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Sheffield, the Research Associate will carry out research into avalanche diodes as part of an EPSRC project.

Working closely with another Research Associate of the same project, the post-holder will be responsible for device fabrication and characterisation of near-infrared avalanche diodes based on III-V semiconductor materials for the project.

In addition to carrying out the research required by the project, the role will involve preparation of technical reports for the consortium or funder. The post-holder will also assist in preparing documents/presentations/demonstrations for wider disseminations and training PhD students in the research group on device fabrication and characterisation.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct internationally recognised research in photodiodes based on III-V semiconductor materials.
• Carry out device fabrication and characterisation of avalanche photodiodes, modifying and optimising the procedures as required.
• Work closely with other staff and student members in the research group to maximise progress of the research.
• Maintain a systematic record of scientific outcomes and write supporting documents to contribute to and support the work of the research group such as project reports and deliverables.
• Communicate and report regularly in a highly professional manner to a range of stakeholders, including project partners and funders.
• Contribute to the training and supervision of students within the research group.
• Carry out project-oriented roles, such as planning and managing resources as well as reporting.
• Publish research results in high-quality journals.
• In conjunction with other colleagues in the School, contribute to the overall support and management of the photodiodes characterisation facilities in the research group, including but not limited to capability development, Health and Safety management, repairs and maintenance management, upgrades and quality control.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential Or Desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Hold or be close to completing a PhD in infrared avalanche photodiodes based on III-V semiconductor materials (or have equivalent experience)

Essential

Application

Experience of device fabrication of III-V avalanche photodiodes

Essential

Application/Interview

Experience of using and developing electrical and optical characterisation setups for III-V avalanche photodiodes

Essential

Application/Interview

Experience of publishing in peer-reviewed journals

Essential

Application/Interview

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing publications/reports and presenting your findings to a range of audiences

Essential

Application/Interview

Ability to work effectively within a team environment including individuals both internal and external to the University

Essential

Application/Interview

Ability to plan own workload and prioritise conflicting deadlines

Further Information

Grade

Grade 7.3

Salary

£38,784 per annum

Work arrangement

Full time and on site

Duration

19 October 2026 - 18 April 2027

Line manager

Prof. Jo Shien Ng

Direct reports

Project's principal investigator

Right to work in the UK

If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.

Our website

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/eee

Next steps in the recruitment process

The selection process will take place following the closing date. This will consist of an interview and a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage following the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact [e-mail].

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What We Offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Closing Date : 04/10/2026

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.