Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ultra-High Power Wide Bandgap Semiconductor RF Devices: Innovation in Thermal Management and Design

Applications are invited for the role of Postdoctoral Researcher position at the Centre for Device Thermography and Reliability (CDTR), led by Professor Kuball. This role focuses on transforming thermal management and reliability of novel electronic semiconductor devices/chips, using in part wide and ultra-wide bandgap materials, such as GaN, Ga2O3, BN, AlN and diamond. 

An area of research interest, for example, is the recycling of heat waste energy generated by the electronic chip, however you will also assess overall heat transport within the chips, their packaging and systems. You will use new optical laser-based systems to study temperature as well as electric fields with sub-micron spatial resolution, as these limit device performance and reliability. In this context, new material and device structures will be designed and studied. Expertise in optical laser-based systems and thermal / thermomechanical simulations are of benefit for this position. You will have the opportunity to study unique device structures, apply thermal imaging techniques for nm-scale devices and access the extensive device testing suite available in Bristol, from advanced electrical, thermal to electric field analysis of devices, and simulation tools (ATLAS, ANSYS).  You will collaborate within our 35-member team, our academic and industrial partners and have the opportunity to make a major impact on future power device technology.  

The CDTR leads numerous UK and international strategic programmes on power and RF electronics, including the European Innovation Accelerator, part of Horizon Europe, programme CoolbrAIn, the EPSRC programme ULTRAlGaN and the UKRI Innovation and Knowledge Centre REWIRE. This position benefits from the Chair in Emerging Technologies awarded to Professor Kuball by the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) and various US funded programmes.  

What will you be doing? (key elements and duties the post-holder will carry out):  

You will conduct research to advance ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor device technology and understanding. Responsibilities include designing, building and using optical laser-based systems for device temperature and material thermal characterization, as well as developing material / device thermal models for device design using finite element and other simulation tools. 

You will contribute to managing our thermal characterization laboratory and support short-term industrial contract. 

You should apply if (what experience is necessary for candidates to possess, to drive self-selection): 

• Postgraduate (PhD) experience in Physics, Materials Science or Engineering, or be working towards one, or equivalent professional qualification/experience.  
• Ideally with a good publication record. 
• Extensive expertise is required in semiconductor materials / devices, thermal characterization of materials or devices and in optical measurement techniques. 
• A willingness to work together with, and co-supervise, PhD students is necessary. 

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