Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Nanoelectronics (fixed term)
Applications are invited for a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) position at School of Engineering, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), to join an innovative research project funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) UK. This project will be in collaboration with the University of Glasgow, the world-leading institute IMEC in Belgium whose consortium members include top companies such as Intel, TSMC, Samsung, Micron, Kioxia and Western Digital, and several other industrial project partners including IBM, ARM, Synopsys and Semiwise. The PDRF will have opportunities to work at IMEC with scientists from these prestigious organisations, fostering exceptional career growth.
This project aims to advance the understanding, characterisation and modelling of nanoelectronic devices operating at cryogenic temperatures (4 Kelvin - 77 Kelvin) for energy efficient quantum computing (QC) and high-performance AI computing in data centres. The research will focus on a range of devices, include conventional MOSFETs, emerging memristive memory devices, 2D atomic resistive-switching memristors, and 2D-channel FETs. These novel devices have great potential to substantially reduce the energy consumption when operating at low temperatures, which is a critical task required for QC and AI. Achieving this goal requires in-depth physical and operational insights that can translate into better-engineered devices, circuits design, and tailored testing protocols for improved variability and reliable performance. This project will establish a foundation for a new paradigm of deployable nanoelectronic devices with unprecedented efficiency and scalability that can be used ubiquitously towards ultra-low energy QC, AI, and neuromorphic computing systems.
Professor Weidong Zhang and his group at LJMU have extensive research expertise in characterisation of memory and logic devices, through a strong partnership with IMEC. The group has a distinguished research track record and start-of-the-art testing facilities. In the UK's 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), LJMU ranked among the top performing universities in Engineering, with 100% of the group’s outputs rated as international excellent or higher.
Further details about the group are available here:
You will have a strong background and keen interest in nanoelectronics, microelectronics, semiconductor devices and VLSI technology. You will hold or be nearing completion of a PhD and demonstrate strong ability in electrical and electronic engineering, physics, material, or a related discipline. While experience in nanoelectronic device characterisation, modelling, IC circuit design and simulation is preferred, it is not mandatory. The post requires excellent communication and teamwork skills. The expected starting date is by 01 September 2025.
In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction, and development support as well as family-friendly policies.
This is an exciting time to join the university as we deliver the LJMU Strategy 2030 and its vision of LJMU as an inclusive civic university transforming lives and futures, by placing students at the heart of everything we do. Find out more about working at LJMU here.
If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.
Informal enquiries may be made to Prof. W. Zhang (w.zhang@ljmu.ac.uk).
LJMU values diversity and provides a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can fulfil their potential.
Please note all of our vacancies will be closed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.
LJMU are committed to adhering to the Principles set out in the Researcher Development Concordat; in line with this all fixed-term researchers will be supported to complete 10 days professional development activities per year (pro-rata).