Plasma Physicist (KTP Associate)

Type of Contract: Funding/Activity Limited for 30 months

This 2.5 year (30 month) Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), co-funded by Innovate UK and Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology (OIPT), will employ state-of-the-art numerical modelling techniques, in combination with experimental verification, to assess and optimise plasma-assisted silicon carbide (SiC) wafer polishing processes in an industrial context. The project aims to develop and validate a rapid, targeted, cleaning process for plasma processing reactor tools to reduce equipment downtime and use of environmentally damaging materials. The transfer of plasma chemistry, modelling and simulation capabilities, and the creation of a digital model, will directly facilitate process optimisation and increase company market share. The successful candidate, hereafter referred to as the Associate, will lead and manage detailed numerical assessments of complex plasma-surface interactions and subsequent carbon impurity generation, transport, and re-deposition in an OIPT plasma-assisted SiC polishing reactor. This will be facilitated by the creation, and verification, of plasma-surface chemical reaction mechanism and embedding it within an existing numerical framework.

This KTP offers the Associate a unique opportunity to apply cutting-edge numerical techniques and design concepts into a real-world setting. Beyond the technical requirements, the Associate will establish and coordinate a project group, oversee project deliverables and support knowledge transfer and embedding project outputs with support from the OIPT R&D team, necessitating cross-departmental communication and management. The Associate will develop a keen knowledge of the rapidly evolving SiC industry, and will be responsible for managing timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations, requiring careful coordination and regular communication between academic, commercial, and executive team members.

The successful candidate will work between the UoA and OIPT’s R&D team. The position will primarily be based at OIPT’s premises in Bristol.

Salary will be at the appropriate point on Grade 6, off scale, between £38,000 - £41,000 per annum with placement according to qualifications and experience. In addition to this, the Associate will also benefit from a tax-free personal development budget of £5,000.

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Scott Doyle, Lecturer, Head of Plasma Science Research Group, e-mail: scott.doyle@abdn.ac.uk Or Dr Jordyn Polito, Innovation Developer, Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, email: jordyn.polito@oxinst.com

Should you require a visa to undertake employment in the UK you will be required to fulfil the minimum points criteria to be granted a Certificate of Sponsorship under the requirements of the Skilled Worker visa. At the time an offer of appointment is made, you will be asked to demonstrate that you fulfil the criteria in respect of qualification and competency in English. For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. Please do not hesitate to contact Lucy Redmayne, HR Adviser (e-mail: lucy.redmayne@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.

To apply online for this position please click on the apply button.

Job Reference Number:  NCS245R

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 04 July 2025

The School of Natural and Computing Sciences embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring.  Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.

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