Post Doctoral Research Associate

Overview

The Department of Physics at Swansea University, in its Faculty of Science and Engineering, is appointing a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Semiconductor Physics and Terahertz Science and Technology, based at the Bay Campus in Swansea. The postholder will join the university's new Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials and contribute to the EPSRC programme grant TERACOM, on terahertz frequency devices and systems for ultrahigh capacity wireless communications. TERACOM is a collaboration between the Universities of Swansea, Leeds and University College London, aiming for next-generation communication systems in the terahertz range. Members take part in inter-site collaboration and regular consortium meetings, and Swansea sits within the South Wales Compound Semiconductor Cluster, offering chances for applied research and industrial collaboration.

As the PDRA you will simulate, design and develop terahertz devices that use novel physical phenomena to reach unprecedented performance in terahertz modulation and detection. You will fabricate field-effect transistor type terahertz devices, focused on the gallium nitride material system, in the cleanroom, characterise them on existing setups, and expand and build new experimental systems for measurements with terahertz sources. You will present results at regular project meetings, write up the outcomes and publish them in international peer-reviewed journals.

Requirements

Appointment at research associate level, Grade 8, depends on holding a PhD and relevant experience. A candidate who has submitted a thesis but not yet received the PhD will be appointed at research assistant level, Grade 7.

What you get

The full-time, fixed-term post pays £39,906 to £46,049 per annum. The university describes a waterfront campus, a multicultural community, and reward and benefits that support work-life balance. Applications in Welsh are welcome and are treated no less favourably than those in English.

How to apply

Applications are made online. Informal enquiries can be directed to Wladislaw Michailow or David Ritchie.

Key dates

The closing date is 25 October 2026, and interviews are planned between 4 and 6 November 2026.