Semiconductor Epitaxy Research Technologist in Glasgow

The Glasgow Epitaxy Facility is a specialist research and innovation facility supporting the growth and delivery of high-quality III–V (GaAs‑and InP‑based) semiconductor wafers for applications in photonics, electronics and emerging quantum technologies. It serves both academic and commercial users, providing reliable epitaxial materials that underpin advanced device research and technology translation.

The James Watt School of Engineering seeks to appoint a Semiconductor Epitaxy Research Technologist to provide senior scientific and technical leadership for the operation, optimisation and strategic development of the Facility’s MOCVD reactor capabilities, ensuring the safe, professional and timely delivery of externally funded research and industrial projects. In addition to leading day‑to‑day technical activities, the post holder will contribute strategically to shaping the research direction, technological capability and external engagement of the Facility, working closely with academic leadership to align activities with School, College and University priorities.

The role includes developing new and innovative epitaxial semiconductor structures in collaboration with academic and commercial partners, supporting the training and development of students and research staff, and contributing to cost recovery and long‑term sustainability, with the aim of establishing the Glasgow Epitaxy Facility as a world‑leading centre based in Scotland.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Play a leading role in the planning, design and conduct of research and development, acting as a scientific partner to contribute specialist expertise to collaborative research and development projects.
• Operate, maintain and develop the MOCVD reactor and associated characterisation systems to support the growth of high‑quality III–V semiconductor epitaxial wafers for research and commercial applications.
• Establish, optimise and document epitaxial growth processes, including calibration, characterisation and continuous improvement of reactor performance and capability.
• Use specialist expertise to design, develop and implement new and innovative epitaxial semiconductor structures in collaboration with academic researchers and industrial clients.
• Make a leading strategic contribution to the development of the Facility’s research and technology roadmap, identifying emerging opportunities in epitaxy, advising on capability development, and supporting the positioning of the Facility within major research programmes and external funding initiatives.
• Provide expert technical and scientific guidance to researchers using the Glasgow Epitaxy Facility, supporting experimental planning, wafer specification and interpretation of results.
• Support externally funded research and commercial projects through timely, high‑quality epitaxial growth, while proactively contributing to cost recovery and the financial sustainability of the Glasgow Epitaxy Facility.
• Develop and enhance the profile and reputation of self, the Glasgow Epitaxy Facility and the University of Glasgow, including establishing and sustaining a track record of making a specialist contribution to publications of international quality in high‑profile/quality refereed journals, patent development, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
• Make a leading contribution to the identification of potential funding sources and assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research of international quality.
• Lead the training and development of students and research staff in semiconductor epitaxy, including hands‑on training in MOCVD operation, laboratory practice and health and safety procedures.
• Maintain critical equipment and infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operation of the Facility, working closely with JWSE technical staff and suppliers as required.
• Responsible for compliance with all relevant health, safety and environmental regulations, liaising with the JWSE safety team, laboratory guardians and academic staff.
• Coordinate with the Epitaxy Facility management team on scheduling reactor usage and access, liaising with academic principal Investigators and commercial partners to anticipate demand, scheduling and resource requirements.
• Develop technical documentation and reports on Facility usage, growth performance and project delivery for Facility management and School leadership.
• Work effectively within the School, College and University governance and operational structures, engaging with academic leads, professional services and technical teams to support planning, reporting, compliance and strategic decision‑making related to the Facility.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge and Qualifications

• A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or equivalent in semiconductor physics, materials science, electronic engineering or a closely related discipline, or with equivalent training and experience gained in an industrial semiconductor environment.
• A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of III–V semiconductor epitaxy, with demonstrable expertise in MOCVD growth processes.
• A3 Comprehensive and up‑to‑date knowledge of current challenges, opportunities and future directions in semiconductor epitaxy for photonics, electronics and quantum technologies.
• A4 Knowledge of relevant characterisation techniques and data analysis methods used to assess epitaxial material quality and performance.
• A5 Knowledge of specialist software, process control systems and data management tools relevant to epitaxial growth and Facility operation.
• A6 Knowledge of, or ability to rapidly develop an understanding of, School, College and University‑level research, finance and governance structures relevant to the effective operation and strategic development of a shared research facility.

Skills

• C1 Demonstrable skill in operating, optimising and maintaining MOCVD or closely related epitaxial growth systems.
• C2 Proven ability to plan, prioritise and deliver multiple research and commercial projects to demanding timescales.
• C3 Demonstrable capacity to think strategically while maintaining high standards of day‑to‑day operational delivery.
• C4 Ability to contribute at a strategic level to research planning and technology development, balancing long‑term capability building with immediate operational and project demands.
• C5 Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to design and implement innovative epitaxial structures and processes.
• C6 Effective communication and interpersonal skills, enabling productive collaboration with academic researchers, students and industrial clients.
• C7 Ability to train, mentor and support students and research staff in epitaxy, laboratory practice and safe working procedures.

Experience

• E1 Experience of making a leading contribution to published scientific or commercial outputs in a collaborative research environment, including experimental design, data collection and interpretation.
• E2 Significant practical experience in semiconductor epitaxy, ideally involving III–V semiconductor materials grown by MOCVD.
• E3 Experience of working in a senior scientific role in a high‑technology academic or industrial environment on complex, multidisciplinary projects.
• E4 Experience of operating, maintaining or developing advanced research equipment within a shared Facility environment.
• E5 Experience of supporting externally funded research and/or commercial projects, including interaction with multiple stakeholders.
• E6 Experience in technical documentation, reporting and contributing to research publications or client reports.
• E7 Experience of contributing to strategic planning, capability development or facility‑level decision‑making within a research‑intensive academic or industrial environment.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 8, £50,253 - £58,225 per annum. This post is full time (35 hours per week) and fixed term for 24 months. As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
• An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension, benefits and discount packages.
• A flexible approach to working.
• A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6‑month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under‑represented within the University. We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University. We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too.

Closing Date: 14 May 2026