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- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge project to develop high-speed organic opto-electronic materials and systems.
- Company: Be part of an innovative team collaborating with top universities and research institutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of annual leave, plus additional building closure days and Christmas Eve off.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable technology while advancing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in circuit design, RF/microwave, and measurement is essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for networking and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 ÂŁ per year.
Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term for 20 months. Annual Leave: 33 days, plus 9 building closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday).
HiSOPE (High-Speed Organic Photonics and OptoElectronics) is an EIC Pathfinder Responsible Electronics project under Horizon Europe with partners including CNRS, CEA Leti, TU Eindhoven, Kaunas University of Technology, St. Andrew University, and University Sorbonne Paris Nord. The total budget is €3.07M. Its aim is to develop sustainable, high-speed organic opto‑electronic materials, devices and systems as lower‑impact alternatives to III‑V platforms.
The role requires circuit, RF/microwave and measurement expertise to support demonstrators that drive high‑speed OLEDs, collect photodiode signals, and validate system‑level links.
Purpose of Role
Design, implement and characterise high‑speed electronic and RF front‑ends to drive OLEDs with high‑voltage nanosecond pulses, interface them with high‑bandwidth photodiode receive chains, and perform full EM and calibration workflows on bespoke PCB fixtures that validate link performance for optical interconnects / wireless light communications demonstrators within HiSOPE.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct and disseminate original research aligned with the project and in collaboration with the team; work as part of the broader HiSOPE project to help organise events and/or support the work of the team as needed; contribute to outreach and impact engagement activities of the project.
- Work closely with senior decision makers in the industry to enable a programme of work and the measurement of this; participate in, and develop, networks and collaborations both internally and externally to the Division/School/University.
- Identify appropriate sources of funding and help prepare research proposals for funding bodies.
- Demonstrate initiative in making routine decisions in order to manage and achieve project deliverables and deadlines.
- Pulse driver & power delivery: design high‑voltage, fast‑edge pulse drivers (ns to sub‑ns rise/fall where feasible) for OLED excitation, including device protection, impedance control and EMI mitigation; architect low‑inductance current paths, gate‑drive schemes (e.g., GaN/Si MOSFET drivers), and snubbers tailored to OLED stack constraints and test coupons used in HiSOPE.
- RF/microwave PCB & interconnects: layout controlled‑impedance CPW/microstrip transitions from drivers to OLED fixtures; model launch structures, vias, and ground‑reference strategies to >GHz bandwidths; co‑design bespoke PCB test fixtures for device‑under‑test (DUT) sockets, with 3D EM simulation (CST/ADS Momentum) to predict S‑parameters, radiation, resonances, and thermal aspects.
- Receiver chain and calibration: design transimpedance amplifiers (TIA) for fast, including stability/peaking control, input capacitance management, and ESD; implement on‑board calibration standards and perform LRM/TRL calibrations (VNA) from coax to CPW launches for de‑embedded S‑parameters.
- Modelling, linearisation, and system integration: extract behavioural models of the OLED electro‑optical.
Research Associate in High-Speed Organic Opto-Electronics (HiSOPE) in Kilmarnock employer: Heriot-Watt University
Contact Detail:
Heriot-Watt University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in High-Speed Organic Opto-Electronics (HiSOPE) in Kilmarnock
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of organic opto-electronics on platforms like LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to get your name out there and show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and practical skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with RF/microwave circuits and high-speed electronics, as well as any projects you've worked on that relate to OLEDs or photonics.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for research! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share your ideas about sustainable materials and how they can impact the future of opto-electronics. This will demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in High-Speed Organic Opto-Electronics (HiSOPE) in Kilmarnock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in high-speed organic opto-electronics, circuit design, and RF/microwave expertise. We want to see how your skills align with our project goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the HiSOPE project and how you can contribute to our team. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm for the role come through.
Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this role involves original research, make sure to include any relevant projects or publications in your application. We love seeing candidates who have a strong research background and can bring innovative ideas to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter family. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of high-speed organic opto-electronics. Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in OLED technology, RF/microwave circuits, and measurement techniques. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're genuinely interested and well-prepared.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your expertise in circuit design and RF/microwave measurements. Think about projects where you designed pulse drivers or worked on PCB layouts. Sharing these experiences will help the interviewers see how you can contribute to the HiSOPE project.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about the HiSOPE project and its goals. This could include inquiries about collaboration opportunities with partners like CNRS or TU Eindhoven, or how the team measures success in their research. Asking thoughtful questions shows your enthusiasm and engagement.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be ready to discuss how you've collaborated in the past. Highlight any experience you have in outreach or impact engagement activities, as well as your ability to support team members. This will illustrate that you're not just a lone wolf but a team player who can contribute to the project's success.