Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow in TMDC Device Characterisation in Southampton

We are looking to appoint a postdoctoral researcher (Research Fellow or Senior Research Fellow, depending on experience) with strong expertise in 2D material devices, to be based in the School of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton as part of the group of Prof. Kees de Groot and Dr Ruomeng Huang.

This postdoctoral fellowship is part of the EXPRESS (Exploiting Single Source Precursors for the Electrochemical Growth of Functional 1D and 2D Metal Dichalcogenide Semiconductors) Programme Grant recently announced by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). EXPRESS is a large (£10M) flagship, interdisciplinary research programme over 5-years. It is led jointly by the Universities of Southampton and Warwick, alongside several international and industrial partners, and brings together internationally leading teams from across chemistry, physics and electronic engineering.

It aims to deliver a step-change in the understanding and control of electrochemical growth of high-quality mono/few-layer functional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), combining precursor design and synthesis, electrochemistry, solution and surface computation, advanced characterisation and device integration.

In addition to the essential disciplinary research skills, candidates should demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for collaborative working, the ability to communicate effectively across disciplines, and well-developed organisational skills.

In this role, your primary focus will be the characterisation and understanding of TMDC-based nanoelectronic devices, such as transistors, memristive devices and photodetectors, using materials developed within the EXPRESS programme. You will carry out advanced electrical measurements and analysis to investigate device behaviour and performance, including transport mechanisms, contact effects and switching dynamics, and will correlate these with material properties obtained through complementary characterisation techniques.

You will work closely with fabrication, materials synthesis and theory teams across the EXPRESS consortium, contributing to an integrated effort spanning materials discovery through to device demonstration. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact research, develop new measurement methodologies, and (for more experienced candidates) take a leading role in shaping characterisation strategies and supervising junior researchers.

Candidates should have a strong background in 2D material based device physics and nanoelectronic characterisation, with experience in relevant materials and device systems. In addition to technical expertise, you should demonstrate a clear ability to work collaboratively across disciplines, communicate effectively, and contribute to a dynamic research environment.

You will be required to be flexible and interact effectively with colleagues across the wider EXPRESS consortium to fulfil the scientific goals of the Programme. The position is offered for 24 months in the first instance, with the possibility of extension for up to 3 further years.

Apply by uploading your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role. As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.

Apply by 11.59 pm UK time on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.