Role
Role: KTP Associate – Semiconductor Device Engineer
Contract: Full-time, Fixed Term for 24 months
About the Team
The Single-Photon Group at Heriot-Watt investigates single-photon detection and quantum communications. The group has developed pioneering single-photon avalanche diode detectors, quantum key distribution systems, and three‑dimensional imaging solutions.
Purpose of the Role
The KTP Associate will investigate aspects of semiconductor-based photodiodes.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
* Embed in‑house capability for specification, design and industrialisation of critical semiconductor photodetector devices.
* Work with colleagues and the manager to devise and perform experiments, modelling and analysis consistent with project goals.
* Design and development of semiconductor‑based detectors.
Education, Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate will have strong theoretical understanding and an experimental background in semiconductor optoelectronics or a closely related field.
Essential Criteria
1. Applicants should hold a PhD in Physics or a relevant area of electrical engineering, or equivalent experience.
2. Experience in semiconductor wafer growth or detector fabrication processes, or photodiode characterisation.
3. Ability to articulate research work in technical reports, papers and oral presentation.
4. Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative.
5. Experience in leading the writing of peer‑reviewed papers.
6. Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt University and more widely with collaborators at other Universities and industrial partners.
Desirable Criteria
1. Highly motivated, intellectually curious, driven to deliver practical, impactful results; excellent communication skills and ability to operate across academic and industrial environments.
2. Experience in simulating or characterising semiconductor devices (ideally photodetectors or APDs), strong quantitative and programming skills, and proven ability to analyse complex experimental datasets.
3. Experience working with high‑speed optical or electronic measurement systems, and an understanding of applications such as LiDAR and time‑of‑flight ranging.
Benefits
Personal development support from IUK worth £4,000 and an annual performance‑based bonus.
How to Apply
Please submit your application via the Heriot-Watt recruitment system.
Applications must be submitted by midnight on Sunday 21st June 2026.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Heriot‑Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and creating an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated solely on the basis of relevant merit and ability. Equality and diversity are about maximising potential and fostering a culture of inclusion for all.
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