The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.
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Overview
We are seeking a Research Associate to develop innovative, high performing proof-of-concept solutions from devices to converters in the field of power microelectronics via hybrid power switches (HPS). This role requires experience in in-depth analysis of power semiconductor devices as well as hybrid power device technologies as well as working towards building power converters using these. In this context hybrid power switches mean heterogeneous integration of SiC, GaN and/or Silicon power device solutions and efficient, intelligent gate drive solutions to derive optimum electrical performances of the switches and converters under varying load conditions. You will be expected to have skills in hands-on device characterisation (on-state, switching as well as reliability evaluation) as well as building circuits such as gate drives. You will be involved in other in-going projects and team activities and publish in top quality journals, consistent with the quality and ambition of the School.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Undertake the implementation of hybrid power switches for efficient power conversion applications.
- Develop gate driving strategies for the power conversion applications.
- Build appropriate power converters and characterise them.
- Physical characterisation of device.
- Electrical and reliability characterisation based on a sound knowledge of power semiconductor device physics.
- Have experience in modelling software and data analysis tools such as MATLAB, Origin, TCAD/circuit tools for device and circuit modelling where necessary.
- Liaise with industrial partners and other PhD students and post-doctoral researchers.
- Produce technical reports and conference/journal papers, working across projects as necessary.
- Assist with the writing and preparation of research proposals.
- Maintain a systematic record of scientific outcomes.
- Plan your own research schedule and workload to ensure that the overall project milestones and objectives are met in a timely fashion. Work across projects as required.
- Plan and prepare in advance for patents, publications and conference presentations.
- Provide support for undergraduate and postgraduate projects and PhD students.
- Support the maintenance and upkeep of the laboratory equipment and Health and Safety procedures for all work undertaken in the project
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Essential criteria
- Hold or be close to completing a PhD in electronic engineering or related discipline (or have equivalent experience) (assessed at application)
- Strong background in power semiconductor device characterisations. (assessed at application and interview)
- Strong background and skills in switching and reliability measurement and characterisation of power devices. (assessed at application and interview)
- Experience in developing gate drivers as well as converter designs (assessed at application and interview)
- Experience of publishing in peer-reviewed journals (assessed at application)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing publications/reports and presenting your findings to a range of audiences. (assessed at application, interview, and presentation)
- Ability to work effectively within a team environment including individuals both internal and external to the University (assessed at application and interview)
- Ability to plan own workload and prioritise conflicting deadlines. (assessed at application and interview)
- Ability to make decisions and apply creative approaches to solving complex technical problems (assessed at application, interview, and presentation).
- Ability to deliver the milestones independently and in a timely fashion (assessed at application, interview, and presentation)
Desirable criteria
- Experience in undergraduate/postgraduate supervision and contributing to teaching. (assessed at application and interview)
Further Information Grade: 7 - £37,999 - £46,485
Duration: Fixed-term for 9 months, latest end date 31 December 2025.
Line manager: Professor Shankar Madathil
For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Shankar Madathil on s.madathil@sheffield.ac.uk.
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in January/February 2024. This will consist of an interview and a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in January 2024. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact eee-postaward@sheffield.ac.uk .
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What we offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society.
We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognizes and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
Closing date: 23 January 2025