Research Fellow in AI for Electron Device Design

The Centre for Electronic Frontiers (CEF) at the University of Edinburgh is accepting applications for an experienced Research Fellow in AI for Electron Device Design. The position will be based at the King’s Buildings Campus.

The Opportunity: This position is affiliated with the UKRI APRIL AI Hub that aspires to develop AI tools to accelerate innovation across semiconductor technologies, novel microchip designs and system architectures – leading to faster, cheaper, greener and overall, more power-efficient electronics. As one of nine UKRI funded AI Hubs, this is a highly visible programme both nationally and internationally.

The post-holder will work closely with a team of talented researchers and the APRIL operations team to lead the development of novel AI capabilities, tools and methodologies that can enhance the productivity of engineers in designing, developing and testing advanced electronic devices and systems. More specifically, the post-holder should have experience in applying but also developing AI tools that can design and execute experiments in search of the best manufacturing parameter settings to create electron devices with optimum performance and yield; spanning from optimal “device recipe” prediction to automated testing and yield assessment.

The post-holder will have the ability to engage with world-leading experts across AI and electronics both at Edinburgh and in other UK higher education (HE) institutions but also industrial partners to ensure relevance of their research in addressing state-of-art challenges in electronics. The successful candidate will have experience of project development and project leadership in a research context, together with excellent communication, presentation, and organisational skills. They will enjoy working in a dynamic environment and be able to work on their own initiative as well as being an active team member. The role will report to the APRIL Hub Director (Principal Investigator), with ongoing engagement with other researchers in the Hub as well as academic leads.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• A 1st class undergraduate degree and a PhD in Electronics or AI, or a clearly related area, with a proven contact with Electron Devices, or a closely related area or equivalent industry experience (Desirable).
• A track record of research in AI, with a specific focus on Electron Device Design or a closely related area.
• Experience in delivering research project results in an Electron Devices Design and/or AI context; i.e. a record of peer-reviewed journal and conference papers in a relevant area (Desirable).
• Experience in AI tools for Electron Device Design.
• Ability to be adaptive and accepting of new ideas and a willingness to approach new challenges and adjust plans to meet new priorities.

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary of £49,250 - £60,321 per annum.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion: The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages. The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.

Key dates to note:

• The closing date for applications is 28 July 2025. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT.
• If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone.
• Interviews dates TBC.