Research Associate (Part-Time, Fixed-Term) (ENG262525)

Karlstad University; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading research institution in the UK is seeking a part-time Research Associate to join a £7m program on Sustainable Multi-Sector Electrification. The role involves driving research on integrated electric motor drive technologies and collaboration with various universities. Applicants should have significant experience in power semiconductor technologies and will benefit from a supportive work environment, generous holidays, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Bonuses for excellent work

Access to fitness and health facilities

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant prior experience with power semiconductor power cycling equipment.
• Experience in conducting X-ray CT scans.
• Proficient with the operation of Gallium Nitride based power semiconductors.
• Experience in developing gate drive circuitry for wide bandgap semiconductors.
• Experience characterizing GaN based semiconductors.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver research in integrated electric motor drive technologies.
• Sustain and pursue a research plan in testing semiconductors.
• Manage and conduct collaborative research activities.

Skills

Power semiconductor power cycling

X-ray CT scans at micro-meter resolution

Gallium Nitride based power semiconductors

Gate drive circuitry development

Characterizing GaN based semiconductors

Job description

Research Associate (Part-Time, Fixed-Term) (ENG262525)

We are a pioneering institution that provides an exceptional research‑led education for 45,000 students from over 150 countries.

An opportunity has arisen for a Research Associate to join our new EPSRC‑funded £7m programme - Sustainable Multi Sector Electrification Using Advanced Integrated Motor Drive Technologies. Working in collaboration with teams from the universities of Newcastle and Bristol, our goal is to undertake radical innovation based on highly integrated electric motor drive technologies to reduce energy wastage and material used in manufacture while dramatically improving power to weight and power to volume ratios together with increased service life.

This is a fixed term, part time post at 20 hours per week, funded to 18 September 2026.

About you

We are looking for a highly motivated Research Associate to drive forward and support the research work Nottingham. You will lead and deliver individual and collaborative research in the area of integrated electric motor drive technologies and make a key contribution to the direction of research programmes in the Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) Research Institute in the Faculty of Engineering. You will sustain and pursue a research plan in testing and developing semiconductors and interconnect systems for extreme temperature operation, developing new concepts and ideas. Where appropriate, we will support you to create and submit innovative research development proposals and funding bids.

The successful candidate will have significant prior experience of:

• the use of power semiconductor power cycling equipment
• conducting X‑ray CT scans at the micro‑meter resolution
• the operation and control of Gallium Nitride based power semiconductors
• developing gate drive circuitry for wide bandgap semiconductors
• characterising GaN based semiconductors and analysis using power cycling and CT scanning technologies

You will be a dynamic self‑starter, exceptionally well‑organised and have a positive attitude. Working with academics, researchers and PhD students in managing and conducting research activities across the programme, you should have experience of working collaboratively on projects with a wide range of stakeholders internally and externally, sometimes on challenging and complex multidisciplinary issues. Prior direct experience of successful PhD student co‑supervision/mentoring is desirable.

What we offer

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
• Generous holiday entitlement of 27 days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year.
• Our reward scheme grants bonuses of numerous values for excellent work
• We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities
• You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link to our benefits website

What next

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details. The working hours are 20 per week, with a flexible working pattern that will be agreed upon appointment.

Please contact Prof Liliana De Lillo, [e-mail] if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 06 Dec 2025