Research Fellow in Organic Electronics (034319)

We seek a Research Fellow in Printed and Flexible, beginning 1st September or 1st October 2019 for up to 9 months. The Fellow will take a leading role in the fabrication and characterisation of novel electronic devices as part of the Design for high-yield manufacturing of printed circuits research project. The work will be carried out under the supervision of Dr Radu Sporea, flexible electronics expert and 2014 EPSRC Rising Star, at the Advanced Technology Institute and will involve fabrication of organic transistors and circuits using photolithography and additive manufacturing techniques. The project aims to use expertise in electronic device and circuit fabrication to bring the areas of flexible and printed electronics closer to market. So far, research focus worldwide has been on performance, but in order to make manufacturable products, the uniformity and repeatability of this performance becomes increasingly important. We aim to provide a systematic improvement in these parameters by judicious device design.

The successful candidate will have a background in printed electronics, specifically in organic thin-film transistors (fabrication, optimisation, characterisation). Given the relatively short term of the post, a proven track record supported by academic publications will be essential for efficient delivery of the work programme.

The Fellow will be joining a diverse and welcoming small team, in a professional, yet relaxed work environment where the focus is placed on results, continuous development and wellbeing. They will work under the leadership of Dr Radu Sporea, and will be responsible for day to day liaison and interaction with two PhD students connected to the project. Apart from conducting the research and publishing the results, tasks will also include assisting the Academic with research proposal writing and contributing to the award-winning teaching track record of the team. Significant interaction with project partners is encouraged, and the dissemination strategy may involve national and international travel, with many personal development opportunities. Other projects undertaken by the team range from TCAD simulations of unconventional devices and fabrication of fully printed novel electronics for sensing and energy storage to large area sensors and new physical-digital interfaces. All team members are welcome to contribute to these projects. Numerous UK and international collaborations present important mentoring and career development prospects.

Main responsibilities include:

Fabrication, characterisation of organic transistors using standard techniques: lithography, solution processing, thermal and e-beam evaporation, sputtering, inkjet printing Design, fabrication and characterisation of circuits with the above Publication in top journals and presentations at top conferences of research results Dissemination of above to the wider public Assistance with writing new bids, research grants, IP protection documents, etc. Identification of opportunities of collaborating within the institution and with external partners.

The ideal candidate would possess the majority of the following:

A PhD in Electronics, Physics, Semiconductors, Chemistry, or Material Science Experience in electronic device and circuit fabrication and characterisation, specifically in diodes and transistors made with pholithography, vacuum processes and/or solution processing A proven track record of delivering high quality research and academic writing in a timely manner A publication record commensurate with the experience in the field Ability to work independently  Ability to work together and integrate with a diverse research team Ability to interact with project partners, both industrial and academic Communication and presentation skills equally applicable to academic, industrial and lay person interaction  

Useful supplementary skills would include:

Extensive experience of fabricating and characterising organic semiconductor devices Circuit design and/or device modelling experience Additive manufacturing and process control experience Graphical presentation skills 

Reporting to Dr Radu Sporea.
Please contact Dr Sporea for all enquiries: r.a.sporea@surrey.ac.uk

Closing Date: 07 Jul 2019
Category: Research & Teaching