Research Scientist in Microsystems and Nanotechnology

Opportunity Overview

The Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC) is seeking an outstanding Research Scientist in Microsystems and Nanotechnology. This is an exciting opportunity to join our team and work at the interface of academia and industry, supporting SMEs and research partners in Greater Manchester and beyond. Working in the broad areas of Advanced Materials and Advanced Manufacturing you will design, fabricate, and test micro/nanoscale device prototypes, assist SMEs and collaborate with leading academics and industrial innovators.

Key Responsibilities and Skills

You will have:

• A PhD in a relevant field (e.g. solid-state physics, electronics, photonics, semiconductor materials).
• Practical experience in microfabrication processes and working in a cleanroom environment.
• Expertise in the design, fabrication, and characterisation of microsystems and nanodevices.
• Strong track record of research outputs and/or industrial R&D contributions.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

This position will report to the Director of NERIC (Professor and Chair in Nanophotonics and Microsystems Engineering) and will also be expected to engage with the wider project team. The Research Scientist will be expected work in a cleanroom environment and deliver microfabrication/nanotechnology projects, in particular working with SMEs in the Greater Manchester area. 

About the School or About the Department

The Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC) based in the University of Salford brings together academia, industry and public-sector partners to accelerate innovation and business growth in Advanced Manufacturing and Advanced Materials. Originally established around robotics and automation, NERIC has evolved into a broader innovation hub with expertise spanning robotics, automation, digital manufacturing, metrology, microfabrication, photonics, microsystems, semiconductor technologies and advanced materials. Its activities are aligned with Greater Manchester’s Industrial Strategy priorities and focus on supporting SMEs and industrial partners through applied research, technology adoption, prototyping, testing and knowledge exchange. NERIC’s Advanced Manufacturing portfolio includes robotic integration, automation and manufacturing process optimisation, while its Advanced Materials activities encompass microelectronics, photonics, sensors, semiconductor materials, nanotechnology and microsystems engineering. The recent establishment of a dedicated microfabrication cleanroom has further expanded NERIC’s capabilities, enabling the development of novel devices, prototypes and demonstrators while supporting research, training and commercial innovation activities across the region.

What's in it for you? 

This is a rare opportunity to shape applied nanotechnology research at the heart of Greater Manchester's advanced manufacturing sector. Working within NERIC, you will support SMEs and other partners tackling real industrial challenges in Precision Engineering, Semiconductor Materials, Microsystems and Nanotechnology - with your work feeding directly into the GMCA Industrial Strategy Zone and helping shape the region's growing reputation for digital and materials innovation.

You will be backed by a genuinely rewarding package: a competitive salary and excellent pension, 32 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, and flexible working that supports real work-life balance. We invest in your growth through comprehensive professional development, and you will join a diverse, supportive community of Advanced Materials and Advanced Manufacturing experts.

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