Research scientist in optoelectronics

Milvus Advanced; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A cutting-edge materials science firm in Oxford is seeking a Scientist in optoelectronics to develop high-performance light emitters and devices. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in relevant fields and 2-5+ years of industry experience in LEDs, QDs, and thin-film devices. This role promises significant ownership in a fast-paced R&D environment with competitive compensation and stock options.

Benefits

Competitive compensation & stock options

Training/development budget

Private health insurance

Qualifications

• 2–5+ years experience in LEDs/QDs/perovskites and/or thin-film optoelectronic devices.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications, patents/inventorship or awards.
• Experience in colloidal nanocrystal and/or perovskite synthesis.

Responsibilities

• Develop light emitters including QD/perovskite LEDs.
• Fabricate thin-film photodiodes and optimize responsivity.
• Collaborate with materials scientists and process engineers.

Skills

Synthesis & surface chemistry

Thin-film processing

Device know-how

Collaboration & safety

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field

Tools

QDs

Perovskites

Job description

About Milvus

Milvus Advanced is redefining materials science by replacing expensive, scarce elements (e.g., indium, gold, iridium, platinum) with high-performance, earth-abundant nanoalloys and functional materials. We have built a discovery and scale-up platform that turns deep chemistry into manufacturable products for energy, optoelectronics, and chemical manufacturing.

As critical minerals take centre stage geopolitically, we ask: what happens when key elements are constrained or run out? Rather than only optimising today’s devices, we pursue transformational substitutions i.e., reducing dependence on fragile supply chains and rare elements by creating new, lab-made materials that are abundant, affordable, and sustainable.

Our technologies aim to:

• Reduce dependence on rare/critical metals
• Improve device efficiency, stability, and manufacturability
• Enable affordable, scalable next-gen materials and devices
• Accelerate the clean-tech transition

We are backed by leading global investors and are scaling rapidly from lab breakthroughs to real-world products. We have validated PGM-substitution materials and are now extending our platform into optoelectronics.

The role: Scientist in optoelectronics

We are seeking a hands-on optoelectronics materials and devices specialist to develop light emitters (QD/perovskite LEDs), thin-film photodetectors, and indium-free transparent conductors. You will synthesise/process materials, build and characterise devices, and push stability/throughput from bench → pilot.

This is a high-impact role in a fast-paced R&D environment with significant ownership and growth.

Location: Oxford & London

What you will do

• Synthesis & surface chemistry: Design/synthesise colloidal QDs, perovskites, and nanoalloys; perform ligand exchange and passivation to maximise Photoluminescence Quantum Yield (PLQY) and improve long-term stability.
• Thin-film processing: Formulate inks and optimise film morphology, interfaces, and energy-level alignment.
• LED device fabrication: Build QD/perovskite LED stacks, develop encapsulation/barrier strategies, and run iterative DOEs.
• Photodetector development: Fabricate thin-film photodiodes; optimise responsivity, evaluate noise and stability.
• Scale-up mindset: Translate syntheses mg → g → kg; implement batch tracking, and reproducibility.
• Collaboration & safety: Partner with materials scientists and process engineers; maintain gloveboxes/Schlenk lines; uphold COSHH and good data practices.

What we are looking for

• Degree: PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field (exceptional MSc candidates with strong experience considered).
• Experience: 2–5+ years (industry or advanced academic) in LEDs/QDs/perovskites and/or thin-film optoelectronic devices. Outstanding final-year/just-graduated PhDs will also be considered.
• Research excellence: Clear evidence via peer-reviewed publications, patents/inventorship or awards.
• Synthesis & handling: Colloidal nanocrystal and/or perovskite synthesis; solvothermal/hydrothermal routes; surface passivation/ligand exchange; scale-up experience desirable.
• Device know-how: Hands-on fabrication and testing of LEDs, photodiodes and/or solar cells.
• Nice to have: Blue emitters; roll-to-roll (or equivalent) coating; optical/electromagnetic modelling, display-stack integration.
• Mindset: Practical, data-driven, collaborative, and autonomous: motivated to turn lab results into robust, commercial products with real-world impact.

Why join Milvus?

• Competitive compensation & stock options
• Make an impact: Build sustainable, scalable optoelectronic materials for next-gen displays, lighting, and sensing.
• Join early, grow fast: Meaningful ownership in a well-funded, fast-scaling deep-tech company.
• World-class team: Work with brilliant people who care about mission and craft.
• Backed by the best: Top global investors in climate, deep tech, and industrial transformation.
• Benefits & growth: Training/development budget, private health insurance, and balanced flexibility.

What we value

We are here to reindustrialise, without depleting the planet. We value ambitious people who learn fast, build trust, and elevate the team. If you love turning cutting-edge chemistry into manufacturable products, you will fit right in.

How to Apply

Research shows talented people sometimes self-select out if they don’t meet 100% of the criteria. If this role excites you and you feel you can make a difference, we want to hear from you.

Send your CV and a short cover letter to [e-mail]