The University of Sheffield
Research Associate
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The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
The post provides an exciting opportunity to carry out high-quality research in the field of avalanche photodiodes, in collaboration with UK industry partners. Based in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Sheffield, the Research Associate will carry out research into avalanche diodes as part of an EPSRC project.
Working closely with another Research Associate of the same project, the post-holder will be responsible for device fabrication and characterisation of near-infrared avalanche diodes based on III-V semiconductor materials for the project.
In addition to carrying out the research required by the project, the role will involve preparation of technical reports for the consortium or funder. The post-holder will also assist in preparing documents/presentations/demonstrations for wider disseminations and training PhD students in the research group on device fabrication and characterisation.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Conduct internationally recognised research in photodiodes based on III-V semiconductor materials.
- Carry out device fabrication and characterisation of avalanche photodiodes, modifying and optimising the procedures as required.
- Work closely with other staff and student members in the research group to maximise progress of the research.
- Maintain a systematic record of scientific outcomes and write supporting documents to contribute to and support the work of the research group such as project reports and deliverables.
- Communicate and report regularly in a highly professional manner to a range of stakeholders, including project partners and funders.
- Contribute to the training and supervision of students within the research group.
- Carry out project-oriented roles, such as planning and managing resources as well as reporting.
- Publish research results in high-quality journals.
- In conjunction with other colleagues in the School, contribute to the overall support and management of the photodiodes characterisation facilities in the research group, including but not limited to capability development, Health and Safety management, repairs and maintenance management, upgrades and quality control.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
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Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
| Essential Or Desirable | Criteria | Stage(s) assessed at |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Hold or be close to completing a PhD in infrared avalanche photodiodes based on III-V semiconductor materials (or have equivalent experience) | Application |
| Essential | Experience of device fabrication of III-V avalanche photodiodes | Application/Interview |
| Essential | Experience of using and developing electrical and optical characterisation setups for III-V avalanche photodiodes | Application/Interview |
| Essential | Experience of publishing in peer-reviewed journals | Application/Interview |
| Essential | Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing publications/reports and presenting your findings to a range of audiences | Application/Interview |
| Essential | Ability to work effectively within a team environment including individuals both internal and external to the University | Application/Interview |
| Essential | Ability to plan own workload and prioritise conflicting deadlines | Application/Interview |
Further Information
- Grade: Grade 7.3
- Salary: £38,784 per annum
- Work arrangement: Full time and on site
- Duration: 19 October 2026 – 18 April 2027
- Line manager: Prof. Jo Shien Ng
- Direct reports: Project’s principal investigator
Right to work in the UK
If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.
Our website
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/eee
For informal enquiries about this job Prof Jo Shien Ng, the project’s principal investigator, on j.s.ng@sheffield.ac.uk.
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Next steps in the recruitment process
The selection process will take place following the closing date. This will consist of an interview and a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage following the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact eee-operations@sheffield.ac.uk.
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What We Offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date: 04/10/2026
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
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