Semiconductor chip fabrication is one of the most complicated and costly industrial manufacturing processes. Advanced processor, graphics and memory chips undergo thousands of manufacturing steps in fabrication plants, where the recipe in each step must be finely tuned to achieve the desired result. This project will address this challenge by developing models and tools that predict nanoscale defects in semiconductor manufacturing, with the aim of improving yield, reducing development cycles and making fabrication more economical and sustainable.
The project will combine experimental nanofabrication, characterisation and artificial intelligence. In the first stage, you'll fabricate nanoscale structures using e-beam lithography, plasma etching and material deposition tools. In the second stage, you'll collect data from microscopic and spectroscopic characterisation and feed these data into AI and machine learning algorithms. In the third stage, you'll test the algorithms in real scenarios to assess their capability to predict and mitigate defects in fabrication and optimise the fabrication process.
You'll work in one of the world’s most advanced university cleanrooms, supported by characterisation labs and the University of Southampton’s IRIDIS supercomputing cluster. You'll also collaborate with experts in AI and interact with global industrial leaders in fabrication modelling. The project also offers exposure to commercialising models to the semiconductor industry. With this project, you'll develop a distinctive skill set in semiconductor fabrication, artificial intelligence for manufacturing, and device characterisation, positioning you strongly for careers in academia or industry.
The School of Electronics and Computer Science is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
Entry requirements
You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in one of the following:
- electronic engineering
- physics
- materials science
- computer science
- a related discipline
Fees and funding
For UK and EU students, tuition fees will be paid and you'll receive a tax-free living stipend.
Strong international candidates are welcome to apply, although coverage of international fees will depend on securing additional faculty funding.
How to apply
Apply now
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- select Full time or Part time
- search for programme PhD Electronic & Electrical Engineering (7092)
- add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application
Applications should include:
- research proposal
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 academic references
- degree transcripts and certificates to date
- English language qualification (if applicable)
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
If you have a general question, feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk.
Project leader
For an initial conversation, Y.J.Noori@southampton.ac.uk.
