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Research Associate in Thin Film Optoelectronics

Quantum Software Lab

Quantum Software Lab

Edinburgh, UK · midlothian, uk
Posted on Mar 24, 2026

Grade UE07: £41,064.00 - £48,822.00 per annum pro-rata if part-time

School of Engineering / Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: for up to 24 months

We are looking for an experienced Research Associate in Thin Film Transistor Devices. The position will be based at the King’s Buildings Campus and will commence as soon as possible.

The Opportunity:

The successful candidate will work on the fabrication and characterisation of optoelectronic devices with a focus on NIR detectors and will be part of the SWIRFlex-DT consortium, funded by Horizon.

This post will involve the development of solution-processed electronic devices based on thin-film technologies. These include designing device architectures and processing several organic and inorganic semiconductors, analytical and morphological characterisation of developed films (such as XPS, SEM, and AFM), as well as electrical characterisation of fabricated devices.

Your skills and attributes for success:

  • A PhD in Electronics, Physics, Materials Science or similar discipline, with a focus in semiconductor devices and/or thin films
  • Proven track record of research or industrial experience in fabrication and testing of TFTs and thin film devices, as well as materials involved in thin film fabrication.
  • Knowledge of electrical characterisation techniques, mostly on transistors and detectors and similar devices.
  • Experience with solution processing deposition methods.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

Click here to view the full job description.

How to apply:

Please include the following documents in your application:

  • CV
  • Cover letter

Where curiosity becomes impact

With roles from hospitality to research, there’s a career for everyone at the University of Edinburgh. We can offer opportunities for you to develop in your career and make a real difference in the communities around us while contributing to the world at large.

We offer careers and roles in just about every area you can think of. Whether you are looking for entry-level, mid-career or roles at the top of your chosen specialism, we can offer you a career where you can flourish and make a real difference in the communities around us while contributing to the world at large. Our people come from a wide range of backgrounds, each bringing their abilities and experiences to our organisation. ​

The University isn’t just any employer. We are part of a local community and a contributor to global thinking, progress and research. In Edinburgh, you are in one of the world’s most attractive cities with active arts and social sectors, while working in a University that has made significant contributions to society.

People have always been at the heart of our work. As part of the University, you are a part of our community. We are looking for people with drive, determination, and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful/personalised flexibility for you.

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:

Professional development and subject matter expertise

Leading-edge research

Excellent benefits and support

Contributing to the work and purpose of the University.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

  • A competitive salary.
  • An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
  • To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
  • Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits.

Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 20th April 2026.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.


As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
Engineering has been taught at Edinburgh in one form or another since 1673. In 2002, the present School of Engineering was formed from the previously existing departments of Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronics and Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Since then, the School has grown from strength to strength, growing rapidly in the last 5 years, now having the largest number of students among the seven Schools in the College of Science and Engineering, offering undergraduate degree programmes across all disciplines and taught Masters courses in niche areas. All of the undergraduate degree programmes are accredited by the relevant professional institutions.

The School of Engineering addresses diverse complex challenges across the entire field of engineering, at the micro- and macro/global scales. At the microscopic scale, its research supports the design and deployment of novel nanotechnology and devices for biological monitoring and medical diagnosis; at the macro/global scale, it optimises the security and sustainability of the built environment and develops engineering solutions to climate change issues. In REF 2021 the joint submission from the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University to General Engineering was ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for quality and breadth of research. The ranking cited is based upon the breadth and quality of research which apply standard formula (as used by the Times Higher Education) to the REF 2021 results.

The School has a strong track record in producing more than 50 technology spin-outs and developing industry links that enable our graduates to build career-long relationships. Current research income in the School was c.£22.0M in 2020/21.

We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working and recognise and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development for all staff; providing mentoring, training, and networking opportunities.

The School of Engineering holds a bronze Athena SWAN award, in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education & research.

Further information, including details of undergraduate & postgraduate taught programmes: www.eng.ed.ac.uk

The School of Engineering seeks to appoint a Research Associate in Optoelectronics. This Research Associate position will contribute to a Horizon EIC 2025 Pathfinder Open grant within the Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems at the University of Edinburgh. This role is Grade UE07 and is available for up to 24 months.