At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate and develop cutting-edge semiconductor photodiodes with a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Heriot-Watt University’s innovative Single-Photon Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, personal development support, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Collaborate with industry leaders and gain valuable exposure in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in quantum communication and advanced photodetector technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in Physics or Electrical Engineering with experience in semiconductor devices.
The predicted salary is between 37694 - 37694 £ per year.
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.
KTP Associate – Semiconductor Device Engineer in Kilmarnock employer: Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University offers an exceptional work environment for the KTP Associate – Semiconductor Device Engineer role, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within the Single-Photon Group. Employees benefit from a generous personal development budget, opportunities to engage with industry leaders like Premier Photonics, and a commitment to equality and diversity that ensures a supportive atmosphere for professional growth and impactful research.
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