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

A leading research university in Scotland seeks a Research Associate in AI for Electron Device Design. The position involves developing AI tools to enhance semiconductor technologies and working closely with a talented team. Candidates should have a PhD in Electronics or AI and a strong research background in AI and device design. A competitive salary and substantial employee benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous holiday entitlement

Pension schemes

Family-friendly initiatives

Qualifications

• Proven contact with Electron Devices or a closely related area.
• Track record of research with peer-reviewed papers in a relevant area.
• Experience with AI tools for Electron Device Design.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of novel AI capabilities and methodologies.
• Engage with experts across AI and electronics.
• Work closely with researchers to enhance productivity.

Skills

Research in AI

Electron Device Design

Project delivery

Adaptive thinking

Education

1st class undergraduate degree

PhD in Electronics or AI

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.

The post-holder will have the ability to engage 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.

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.

What we offer:

• 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.

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.

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.

Application details:

Please apply including a cover letter and CV. The closing date for applications is 4th November 2025.