Research Fellow in III-V Epitaxy for Optoelectronics

University of Southampton - School of Physics & Astronomy; Southampton; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Southampton - Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) invites applications for a Research Fellow with expertise in semiconductor epitaxy. You will contribute to advancing III-V materials on silicon, participate in device integration, and work with partners across academia and industry.

The role focuses on MOVPE/MBE-based growth, material and device characterisation, and dissemination of results through high-quality publications and conference presentations.

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in Electronic Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Hands-on epitaxial growth of III-V semiconductors using MOVPE or MBE.
• Experience in semiconductor device fabrication and cleanroom processing.
• Experience with optical or electrical characterisation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Grow and optimise III-V semiconductor materials using MOVPE/MBE.
• Characterise materials and devices optically and electrically.
• Collaborate with external facilities and project partners; disseminate results.

Skills

Epitaxy experience

MOVPE growth

MBE growth

Cleanroom processing

Communication skills

Education

PhD or near completion in Electronic Engineering/Photiniocs/Physics

Tools

Cleanroom tools

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow with expertise in semiconductor epitaxy to join the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton, one of the world's leading centres for photonics research.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team developing advanced III-V semiconductor materials and integrated optoelectronic devices on silicon. The research programme focuses on the development of innovative epitaxial growth technologies for the integration of III-V materials on silicon and other lattice-mismatched platforms, enabling next-generation photonic devices for optical communications, sensing and emerging quantum technologies.

The role will involve the growth and optimisation of III-V semiconductor materials using Metalorganic Vapour Phase Epitaxy (MOVPE), together with the optical, electrical and structural characterisation of materials and devices. The successful candidate will also contribute to device fabrication and integration activities within Southampton's internationally renowned silicon photonics and nanofabrication facilities.

During the initial phase of the project, the postholder will work closely with external epitaxy facilities and project partners to undertake growth campaigns and advance the research programme while new III-V epitaxy infrastructure is established at Southampton. The role will therefore involve travel to partner organisations and requires the ability to work independently, and confidence in collaborating effectively with academic and industrial partners.

You should hold a PhD (or near completion) in Electronic Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a closely related discipline. Hands-on experience in the epitaxial growth of III-V semiconductors, including III-As/P/Sb and/or III-nitride materials using metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) or molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), is essential. Experience in semiconductor device fabrication, cleanroom processing, and optical or electrical characterisation techniques is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will have a strong publication record relative to career stage, excellent communication skills, and the ability to contribute effectively to a collaborative research environment spanning multiple institutions and industrial partners. You will be expected to disseminate research findings through high-quality publications and conference presentations, while helping to develop new research directions and collaborative opportunities.

The current contract is fixed term until 31 May 2028, with the possibility of an extension of up to 12 months.

Further Details

• Job Description and Person Specification

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.