Research Associate in AI for Electron Device Design

The University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Edinburgh seeks a Research Associate in AI for Electron Device Design. This full-time role will involve developing AI tools to enhance semiconductor innovations and improve device design processes, in a collaborative research environment. Candidates should possess a PhD in Electronics or a related field and have a strong research background in AI.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Competitive pension schemes

Staff discounts

Family-friendly initiatives

Qualifications

• PhD in Electronics or AI with experience in Electron Devices.
• Track record of research in AI and peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with AI tools for Electronics.

Responsibilities

• Develop AI capabilities for the design and testing of electronic devices.
• Work with a team on innovative research projects.
• Engage with academic and industrial partners for relevant research.

Skills

Research in AI

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Ability to work independently

Education

PhD in Electronics or AI

1st class undergraduate degree

Tools

AI tools for Electron Device Design

Job description

Grade UE07: £40,497 to £48,149 per annum, pro-rata if part time

College of Science and Engineering / School of Engineering / Integrated Micro and Nano Systems

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: up to 24 months

The Centre for Electronic Frontiers (CEF) within the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh is accepting applications for an experienced Research Associate in AI for Electron Device Design. The position will be based at the King’s Buildings Campus.

The Opportunity:

This position is affiliated with the UKRI APRIL AI Hub that aspires to develop AI tools to accelerate innovation across semiconductor technologies, novel microchip designs and system architectures – leading to faster, cheaper, greener and overall, more power-efficient electronics. As one of nine UKRI funded AI Hubs, this is a highly visible programme both nationally and internationally.

The post-holder will work closely with a team of talented researchers and the APRIL operations team to support the development of novel AI capabilities, tools and methodologies that can enhance the productivity of engineers in designing, developing and testing advanced electronic devices and systems. More specifically, the post-holder will be able to develop AI toolsthat can design and execute experiments in search of the best manufacturing parameter settings to create electron devices with optimum performance and yield; spanning from optimal “device recipe” prediction to automated testing and yield assessment.

The post-holder will have the ability toengage with world-leading experts across AI and electronics both at Edinburgh and in other UK higher education (HE) institutions but also industrial partners to ensure relevance of their Research in addressing state-of-art challenges in electronics.

The successful candidate will have excellent communication, organisation, and technical skills. They will enjoy working in a dynamic environment and be able to work on their own initiative as well as being an active team member. The role will report to the APRIL Hub Director (Principal Investigator), with on-going engagement with other researchers in the Hub as well as academic leads.

This role is UE07 and is available on a fixed term basis for up to 24 months.

A full list of main responsibilities and the knowledge, skills and experience required for the role can be found in the full job description below.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• A 1st class undergraduate degree and a PhD in Electronics or AI, or a clearly related area, with a proven contact with Electron Devices, or a closely related area or equivalent industry experience.
• A track record of research in AI, with a specific focus on Electron Device Design or a closely related area.
• Experience in delivering research project results in an Electron Devices Design and/or AI context; i.e. a record of peer-reviewed journal and conference papers in a relevant area.
• Experience in AI tools for Electron Device Design
• Ability to be adaptive and accepting of new ideas and a willingness to approach new challenges and adjusts plans to meet new priorities.

Click here for a copy of the full job description

Please apply including a cover letter and CV

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on ourstaff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion:

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

If invited for interview you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on ourright to work webpages (opens new browser tab).

The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.

The closing date for applications is 9 July 2025.

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