The novel design of this KTP project, combined with the generous support package and close supervision from both industry and a leading university, makes this an exceptional opportunity to take a leading role in cutting‑edge innovation. You will develop highly transferable skills in entrepreneurship, teamwork, external stakeholder engagement, and organisational awareness, all of which will be invaluable throughout your career. This role also offers a strong platform to launch or accelerate a career in advanced semiconductor technologies.

You will be embedded within a successful commercial business, leading the project from start to finish and gaining hands‑on experience in commercial awareness, technical delivery, and business operations.

Ideal Candidate

Ideally, you will hold a PhD in a relevant field such as semiconductor physics, electronics, or materials science. You should already have experience in areas aligned with the project, for example, working with III–V semiconductors, and performing photodetector characterisation at room temperature and in cryogenic environments. Experience with T2SL detectors is highly desirable. These skills may have been gained through your doctoral research or relevant industrial experience. You will also need basic numerical‑modelling skills, an analytical mindset, and the ability to innovate.

We are looking for a motivated individual with curiosity, a strong appetite for learning, and the confidence to take initiative. The role requires someone who is adaptable, commercially aware, and comfortable solving problems in fast‑moving environments.

You will work collaboratively with colleagues across Leonardo UK and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels to translate academic research into practical business solutions and support effective knowledge transfer. Strong skills in project management, report writing, time management, and interpersonal communication will be essential throughout the project. You should be committed to your own professional development, willing to undertake additional training, and prepared to drive the KTP project forward with energy and ambition.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, the reward package includes an additional £4,000 for your personal development, with time allocated for you to pursue training and learning activities, offering excellent opportunities to further your professional development and support your career progression. You will also be encouraged to prepare research publications based upon the results of the project where commercially appropriate.

This KTP project is funded by UKRI through Innovate UK. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships bring together universities and business to work together on a development project that is strategically important to the organisation’s future. KTP projects are delivered by recent graduates who enhance their career prospects by benefiting from business-based training and personal and professional development. For further information on Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, please visit Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.

Application

Informal enquires should be directed to Dr Andrew Marshall, a.r.marshall@lancaster.ac.uk

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

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Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.

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