Post-doctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Overview

The University of Cambridge is offering a fixed-term, full-time position for a Post-doctoral Research Associate within the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy. Based at the Cambridge Centre for Gallium Nitride in the United Kingdom, the researcher will work on the MOVPE growth of nitride materials and devices for power electronics applications. This role is supported by the EPSRC UltrAlGaN Programme Grant, which is a collaborative project involving the University of Bristol and other partners aimed at developing high-performance AlGaN solid-state circuit breakers. The successful candidate will engage in research involving aluminium and nitrogen-polar AlGaN, graded layers, regrowth, growth on bulk AlN substrates, and polarisation doping.

Who can apply

Applicants must hold or be nearing the completion of a PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline. Candidates should possess extensive experience in crystal growth, preferably using metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy, along with a research track record focused on nitride semiconductors or related materials. Familiarity with material characterisation techniques is required, with proficiency expected in at least two methods such as x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, cathodoluminescence spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Hall probe measurements, or C-V measurements. Experience in device fabrication is considered desirable.

What you get

The position is funded for 24 months in the first instance. The salary ranges from £33,002 to £46,049 per annum, depending on qualifications and appointment grade. Individuals appointed as Research Associates on Grade 7 earn between £38,448 and £46,970 per annum, while candidates who have not yet received their PhD are employed as Research Assistants on Grade 5 at £35,302 per annum until the doctorate is awarded, at which point the salary is upgraded to Grade 7.

Requirements

Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae and a research statement to support their application.

How to apply

Applications can be submitted online through the vacancy portal. Early submissions are encouraged, as the recruitment process may close prior to the stated deadline if an adequate number of applications are received.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 2026-11-30.