Research Associate / Fellow – Design, Test and Fabrication Engineer(s)

Job Purpose

The post holder will make a leading contribution to the goal of the Critical Technology Accelerator (CTA) Pilot by developing devices and integrated systems for use in emerging quantum, photonic and semiconductor technology applications across a range of projects. The CTA is led by Professor Anthony Kelly at the University of Glasgow.

The project requires individuals with academic research or industrial experience in either design, fabrication, or test and characterisation, in one or more areas such as: semiconductor lasers; photonic integrated circuits; superconducting quantum devices/circuits; MEMS; wafer bonding; advanced packaging; heterogeneous integration; or other relevant area(s) within the field of nanofabrication. The successful candidates will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

For appointment at grade 8 significant  postdoctoral or industrial experience in one of the areas listed above or of working across interdisciplinary interfaces, and/or some expertise in running a team would be required.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with the Principal and Co-Investigators:

1.  Take a role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly ensuring that project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy are met.

2.  Undertake either design, fabrication or test of a range of devices and systems for the CTA projects in accordance with project deliverables.

3.  Use appropriate modelling and software packages to design and model the quantum devices and systems.

4.  Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

5.  Liaise with academic and industrial partners to update on progress and enable efficient collaboration.

6.  Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research and/or delivery challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research and/or delivery strategy.

7.  Present work as appropriate at international and national conferences, internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research and/or research commercialisation profile.

8.  Take a role in the identification of potential funding sources and assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

9.  Take a role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community.

10.  Take a role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.

11.  Help in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

12.  Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

13.  Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

14.  Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the PI.

For appointment at grade 8:

15. Take the lead in identifying and attracting new sources of independent and external research funding and researchers into this research area as opportunities permit to support future research.

16. Present research findings at high profile national and international conferences, seminars and meetings to raise the profile of the research group in order to enhance the research strength of the School.

17. Make a leading contribution to the management of the team/project and sustain an enhanced level of academic outputs and profile.

These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may be reasonably expected to perform.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 An awarded PhD or equivalent industrial experience in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or a related area

A2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions in one or more areas such as: semiconductor lasers, photonic integrated circuits, superconducting quantum devices /Josephson Junctions / qubit circuits, MEMS, wafer bonding, advanced packaging or heterogeneous integration, or other relevant area(s) within the field of nanofabrication.

A3 Knowledge of appropriate modelling and software packages, or other relevant IT skills.

For appointment at Grade 8:

A4 Some reputation or experience in, a relevant internationally competitive research area.

A5 Knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area.

Desirable:

B1 Knowledge of photonic device physics including lasers, photodetectors, waveguides, beamsplitters, couplers, microrings, modulators, polarisation control, lenses and atomic transitions

B2 Knowledge of characterisation of photonic components OR of superconducting devices.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Proven relevant skills in one or more of the following areas: semiconductor lasers, photonic integrated circuits, superconducting quantum devices/circuits, MEMS, wafer bonding, advanced packaging or heterogeneous integration, or other relevant area(s) within the field of nanofabrication.

C2 Research or Industrial creativity and strong cross-discipline collaborative ability

C3 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely

C4 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach

C5 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills

C6 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate

C7 Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working

C8 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

C9 Good Team Leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills

For appointment at Grade 8:

C10 Able to work both individually as well as part of a team and manage staff members as appropriate to disseminate findings to colleagues;

C11 Strong cross-discipline collaborative ability, including evidence of working across industry and academia;

C12 Able to work in both industrial and academic environments with a good understanding of key legislative and policy frameworks or state of the art in industrial technology and approaches

Experience

Essential:

E1 Sufficient relevant research, normally including postdoctoral experience or equivalent or industrial experience

E2 Experience in deep learning or of leading advances in industrial approaches or outcomes

E3 Experience of programming in a scientific or industrial setting

E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

E5 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences or of leading or influencing  technology strategy in an industrial environment

For Appointment at Grade 8:

E6 Experience of leading and contributing to applications for research grants or of leading advancements in industrial approaches and outcomes

E7 Experience in undertaking independent experimental, theoretical and applied research or of leading or influencing technology strategy in an industrial environment

Closing date:  16 February 2024

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7/8,  £39,347 – £44,263 / £48,350 – £56,021 per annum.

These posts are full time, and have funding for up to 14 months.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension – pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.