Research Associate in Materials Engineering

Polytechnicpositions; Bristol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Research Associate in Materials Engineering to advance semiconductor technology. This role involves conducting research on device thermal management, using advanced optical systems, and collaborating within a dynamic research team. Ideal candidates should have a PhD or equivalent experience in relevant fields and a strong publication record. The position is full-time with funding until March 2028, based in Bristol.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate (PhD) experience or equivalent in relevant fields.
• Good publication record is ideal.
• Collaborative work and PhD supervision experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor technologies.
• Develop thermal models for device design.
• Manage the thermal characterization laboratory.

Skills

Semiconductor materials expertise

Optical measurement techniques

Thermal characterization

Education

PhD in Physics, Materials Science, or Engineering

Tools

Finite element simulation tools

ATLAS

ANSYS

Job description

Research Associate in Materials Engineering

Bristol University

United Kingdom

About the Role

Applications are invited for the role of Postdoctoral Researcher 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 wide and ultra-wide bandgap materials, such as GaN, Ga₂O₃, BN, AlN, and diamond.

Research areas include, for example, recycling of heat waste energy generated by the electronic chip, assessment of overall heat transport within the chips, their packaging, and systems. You will use new optical laser-based systems to study temperature and electric fields with sub-micron spatial resolution, which limit device performance and reliability.

New material and device structures will be designed and studied. Expertise in optical laser-based systems and thermal/thermomechanical simulations is beneficial. 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, including advanced electrical, thermal, and electric field analysis of devices, and simulation tools (ATLAS, ANSYS).

You will collaborate within a 35-member team, with academic and industrial partners, and have the opportunity to make a major impact on future power device technology.

Research Context

The CDTR leads numerous UK and international strategic programmes on power and RF electronics, including:

European Innovation Accelerator (part of Horizon Europe)

CoolbrAIn programme

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.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct research to advance ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor device technology and understanding.

Design, build, and use optical laser-based systems for device temperature and material thermal characterization.

Develop material/device thermal models for device design using finite element and other simulation tools.

Contribute to managing the thermal characterization laboratory and support short‑term industrial contracts.

Candidate Requirements

Postgraduate (PhD) experience in Physics, Materials Science, or Engineering, or working towards one, or equivalent professional qualification/experience.

Ideally with a good publication record.

Extensive expertise in semiconductor materials/devices, thermal characterization, and optical measurement techniques.

Willingness to work collaboratively and co‑supervise PhD students.

Contract Type: Open‑ended with fixed funding until 31/03/2028 (approx. 2 years from expected start date)

Work Pattern: Full‑Time, 35 hours per week

Grade: I/Pathway 2

School/Unit: School of Physics

Closing Date: 23:59 UK time on 18/01/2026

Job Title at University of Bristol: Research Associate

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment. We encourage diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives and actively support equality for people of colour, LGBT+ individuals, and disabled people.

In your application, please refer to Polytechnicpositions.com