Academic ConnectPost-Doctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term)
Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term)
A talented and creative postdoctoral researcher is sought to work in the Cambridge Centre for Gallium Nitride performing growth of nitride materials and devices for applications in power electronics and characterising the resulting materials. The Cambridge Centre for Gallium Nitride is part of the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge and also leads the nitride activity within the EPSRC National Epitaxy Facility.
This post is available under the Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub for a Sustainable Future (funded by EPSRC) in collaboration with the University of Cardiff and other partners. In the context of the development of more sustainable and less resource intensive routes to the manufacturing of nitride semiconductor devices, the successful candidate will contribute to research on the growth of high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) on 200 mm silicon substrates and also to the development of routes to the reuse of substrates in the nitride transistor supply chain. The role may also present the opportunity for basic device fabrication in order to facilitate epitaxy characterisation, and hence experience of device fabrication is desirable.
The successful applicant will have extensive experience of nitride crystal growth, preferably using metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) and will also be well-versed in a range of techniques for the characterisation of the structure and properties of materials. The candidate will be expected to have extensive experience of two or more of the following techniques: scanning probe microscopy, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, cathodoluminescence spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Hall probe measurements, or C-V measurements.
Overall responsibilities will include managing research activities, generating high quality data and developing scientific techniques. The successful candidates will be expected to contribute intellectually to the direction of the nitride research within the Centre. It is expected that they will present their data locally at lab meetings and seminars, and more widely at international scientific conferences. They will be expected to draft scientific manuscripts with support from Prof Oliver and to contribute to day-to-day supervision of Masters or PhD students. The successful applicants will hold a PhD (or be expected to complete their PhD within 3 months of starting the role) in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related area. They will be able to demonstrate skills in data presentation, both verbally and in writing. They will be committed to collaborative and interdisciplinary research and be able to demonstrate the ability work both independently and as part of a team.
Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates.
The salary range if appointed as a Research Associate is 37,694-46,049 GBP per annum, successful candidates appointed prior to their PhD completion as a Research Assistant will receive 34,610 GBP annum with promotion to Research Associate on attainment of PhD.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 42 months.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. Documents in support of applications should include a CV and a research statement.
Should you have any queries, please reach out to Professor Rachel Oliver: rao28@cam.ac.uk, with a copy to: ajt69@cam.ac.uk and hrmsm@msm.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference LJ48766 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Key information
- Department/location: Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy
- Salary: £34,610-£35,608 / £37,694-£46,049
- Reference: LJ48766
- Category: Research
- Date published: 6 February 2026
- Closing date: 8 March 2026
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