PhD Studentship: Printed CMOS-compatible Electronic Devices for Low-Power Medical Applications

The growing demand for high-performance, low-power large-area CMOS technologies has driven interest in a range of new materials, including silicon-based thin films, organic semiconductors, and metal oxides. However, limitations in performance and stability have confined silicon and organic-based devices to niche applications.

In contrast, recent advances in ceramic thin film technologies offer promising avenues for developing high performance devices, making them strong candidates for large-area electronics. A significant barrier remains, however: the lack of ceramic-based PMOS with transport properties comparable to their NMOS counterparts. This imbalance restricts the development of full CMOS logic, resulting in high-power monotype logic circuits.

Despite extensive research, the development of effective PMOS ceramic materials remains an open challenge. This project seeks to address this gap by investigating, modelling, designing and fabricating CMOS technologies using novel intrinsically p-type and n-type ceramic thin films. These materials will be processed at low temperatures on form-free substrates, with an emphasis on their integration into affordable, wearable healthcare devices.

Building on our existing research platform, the project will focus on the deposition and characterisation of novel thin film materials - such as oxides, sulphides, and phosphides. A wide range of structural, optical, surface, and especially electrical characterisation techniques will be employed along with analogue circuit design.

The successful candidate will gain extensive experimental training, develop a broad range of laboratory skills, and be expected to contribute to scientific publications and present their work at national and international conferences.

Applicant Requirements: Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) a First Class or high 2:1 degree, or a Master’s degree, in Physics, Materials Science, or Electrical & Electronic Engineering. A solid understanding of semiconductor physics is a plus. Prior hands-on experience with experimental research or materials characterisation is highly desirable.

Funding Eligibility: This studentship is for a duration of 3.5 years and is open to UK applicants. It covers home tuition fees (£5,006) and provides a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum for the 2025/26 academic year. International applicants are welcome to apply but must be able to cover the difference between home and international tuition fees.

In addition to the academic entry requirements, all applicants must also meet the University’s English language requirements for research degree programmes. For further details, please visit:

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/how-to-apply/advertised-phd

When submitting your application, please include the project title listed above and indicate that you wish to work with Dr George Adamopoulos in the School of Engineering.

Informal Enquiries:

For further information or informal discussions, please contact Dr George Adamopoulos (g.adamopoulos@bham.ac.uk).

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button.

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