Research Fellow in III-V Epitaxy for Optoelectronics

Cyber Security Academy Southampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Generous holiday allowance

Job summary

The University of Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre invites applications for a Research Fellow in III-V epitaxy for optoelectronics. You will lead the growth and optimisation of III-V materials and their integration on silicon, working with multi‑institution partners.

Experience with MOVPE/MBE, strong publication record, and excellent communication are essential to contribute to quantum-enabled photonic technologies and to extend the existing silicon photonics capabilities.

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in Electronic Engineering, Photonics, Physics or related discipline.
• Hands-on epitaxial growth of III-V semiconductors using MOVPE or MBE.
• Experience in semiconductor device fabrication, cleanroom processing, and characterisation.
• Strong publication record and ability to collaborate across institutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead growth and optimisation of III-V materials for optoelectronics.
• Characterise materials and devices using optical, electrical and structural methods.
• Contribute to device fabrication and integration with silicon photonics facilities.
• Collaborate with external epitaxy facilities and project partners; travel as needed.

Skills

Epitaxy expertise

Publication track record

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Electronic Engineering, Photonics, Physics

Tools

MOVPE

MBE

Job description

Research Fellow in III-V Epitaxy for Optoelectronics

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.

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.