Role
KTP Associate – Semiconductor Device Engineer
Salary
£37,694 per annum
Contract
Full‑time, Fixed Term for 24 months
About the Team
The Single‑Photon Group at Heriot‑Watt specialises in single‑photon detection, quantum communication and imaging, and collaborates with Premier Photonics to bring advanced photodiode technology to manufacturing.
Purpose of the Role
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 that align with project goals.
* Design and develop semiconductor‑based detectors.
Education, Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate will have a strong theoretical understanding and an experimental background in semiconductor optoelectronics or a closely related field.
Essential Criteria
* Applicants should hold a PhD in Physics or a relevant area of electrical engineering (or equivalent experience). PhD thesis first draft should be submitted by the start date.
* Experience in semiconductor wafer growth or detector fabrication processes, or photodiode characterisation.
* Ability to articulate research work in technical reports/papers and by oral presentation.
* Ability to formulate and progress work independently.
* Experience leading the writing of peer‑reviewed papers.
* Must be able to work as part of a team on experiments at Heriot‑Watt University and with collaborators at other universities and industrial partners.
Desirable Criteria
* Highly motivated, intellectually curious and driven to deliver practical, impactful results.
* Excellent communication skills and ability to operate across academic and industrial environments, engaging with researchers and engineering/commercial teams.
* Experience in simulating or characterising semiconductor devices (ideally photodetectors or APDs), strong quantitative and programming skills, and proven ability to analyse complex experimental datasets.
* Experience working with high‑speed optical or electronic measurement systems, and an understanding of applications such as LiDAR and time‑of‑flight ranging.
Benefits
* £4,000 personal development support from IUK.
* Annual performance‑based bonus.
* Opportunity to work with industry partner Premier Photonics and gain exposure to advanced photodetector manufacturing.
Equality and Diversity
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 essential to maximise potential and foster an inclusive culture.
Application Process
Please submit your application via the Heriot‑Watt recruitment system. Applications must be submitted by midnight on Sunday 21st June 2026.
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