Postdoctoral Research Associate in Retinomorphic Nanoscale Synapses’ Integration with Silicon Nitride Photonic Structures (NANORETINA)

You will join the vibrant Flexible Nanoelectronics team, led by Prof Dimitra Georgiadou within SEMS group in the School of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) at the University of Southampton. You will work in close collaboration with the Silicon Photonics group and Prof Frederic Gardes’ team at the Optoelectronics Research Centre.

In the EPSRC-funded “Retinomorphic nanoscale synapses’ integration with silicon nitride photonic structures” (NANORETINA) project you will develop optoelectronic arrays, based on advanced photoactive materials, such as organic, perovskites and two-dimensional semiconductors, like transition metal dichalcogenides, acting as artificial neurons and/or synapses. These will be integrated on a silicon nitride photonic platform that routes and manipulates light. You will demonstrate adaptive, light-driven networks that combine sensing, memory, and computation.

The role is well suited to candidates who wish to further develop their expertise in neuromorphic technologies and optoelectronics within a supportive and well-resourced research environment.

You will work in the state-of-the-art clean rooms of the Optoelectronics Research Centre. You will receive extensive training and support from the current users for all facilities, as you develop the skills necessary for the job. Prior experience on every tool is not required.

You will be invited to travel to project meetings and dissemination activities across the UK and overseas, and perform short stays at academic partners (e.g., University of Strathclyde, Aston University), assisting junior research staff and planning and participating in group outreach activities. Reasonable adjustments will be made to support candidates for whom travel may present challenges.

The role includes extensive leadership training and transferrable skills development that will allow you to progress from device and tool specialist to neuromorphic computing leader. You will be offered career development opportunities via online courses and workshop attendance through the ECS Centre for Neuromorphic Technologies (CeNT) and UKRI Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Systems and Computing (NeuroSYNC) networks.

Essential Requirements:

• Experience in either photonic structures or optoelectronic device fabrication and characterisation.
• Strong experimental skills in at least one of: nanofabrication, electronics, materials development and processing, or thin-film characterisation.
• Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable Requirements:

• Prior experience with neuromorphic computing, photodetectors and/or memristive devices and arrays.
• Experience in working with photoactive materials, such as organic, perovskites or two-dimensional semiconductors.
• Experience in contributing to academic publications and funding proposals.

For informal enquiries about the application process, please contact Prof Dimitra Georgiadou (d.georgiadou@soton.ac.uk).

ECS holds an Athena SWAN bronze award in recognition of its continued commitment to improving equality for women in science and engineering. We take Staff wellbeing and professional development seriously. We offer a mentoring scheme for Staff. We will give due consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly, including part-time and job share, and to those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy* and onsite childcare facilities.

Benefits to Staff include a contributory pension scheme; holiday entitlement of 30 days plus 8 bank holidays and 6 additional holidays (closure days); subsidised health and fitness facilities on-site; cycle to work scheme; a range of discounts which include restaurants, retail outlets and entertainment.

*subject to qualifying criteria

We welcome applications from candidates whose PhD completion timelines have been affected by caring responsibilities, health conditions, or other personal circumstances.