Job Description

Role: KTP Associate – Semiconductor Device Engineer

Contract: Full-time, Fixed Term for 24 months  

About our Team

The Single-Photon Group at Heriot-Watt have a long–standing track record in researching ground-breaking single photon detection and applications in quantum communications and single-photon imaging. With single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detectors, we initiated and led collaborations to produce the first custom-designed InGaAs/InP single-photon avalanche diode detector (2006), first strained layer SiGe SPAD (2002), and custom-designed Ge-on-Si SPAD (2013), and first planar Ge-on-Si SPAD (2018).

In quantum communications systems: work in the field led to a then world record transmission distance quantum key distribution system (2001); first demonstration of a quantum key distribution system operating at GHz clock–rate over an optical fibre link (2004); the first experimental demonstrations of quantum digital signatures (including the first experimental demonstration of quantum digital signatures over installed optical fibre in the Tokyo network) (2015 and 2017).

We have pioneered single-photon three-dimensional imaging since the 1990’s and continue to innovate, for example being the first to make underwater single-photon imaging demonstrations (2015), first measurements through camouflage (2017), first measurements through fog (2018) and complex scenes (2019), and first single-photon full colour image (2018); colour reconstruction using picosecond resolution SPADs (2024) and kilometre range human activity recognition (2026).

Premier Photonics (Pangolin), https://www.premierphotonics.co.uk/, is a fabless manufacturer of photonics assemblies, including visible and infrared photodiodes, based in Livingston, UK. The Associate will be hosted by the company and will regularly meet with academic supervisors to transfer advanced knowledge of photodetector technologies and the practical pathway to manufacturing. The job will also offer personal development support from IUK (worth £4,000), and an annual performance-based bonus.

Purpose of Role

The KTP Associate will investigate aspects of semiconductor-based photodiodes.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• The vision for this project is to embed in-house capability for specification, design and industrialisation of critical semiconductor photodetector devices, strengthening resilience and enabling new, differentiated products. The post holder is required to:
• Work with colleagues and the manager to devise and perform experiments, modelling and analysis consistent with the goals of the project.
• Design and development of semiconductor-based detectors.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will have a strong theoretical understanding and an experimental background in semiconductor optoelectronics or closely related field.

Essential Criteria

1. Applicants should hold a PhD in Physics or a relevant area of electrical engineering. (Applicants should have submitted their PhD thesis first draft by the start date). Or equivalent experience.
2. Experience in semiconductor wafer growth or detector fabrication processes, or photodiode characterisation
3. Ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports/papers and by oral presentation.
4. Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative.
5. Experience in leading the writing of peer-reviewed papers.
6. Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt University and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities and industrial partners.

Desirable Criteria

1. Attributes: Highly motivated, intellectually curious, and driven to deliver practical, impactful results. Capable of assimilating new knowledge and exploring innovative ideas. The Associate will also need excellent communication skills and the ability to operate across academic and industrial environments, engaging with both Heriot-Watt researchers and Pangolin’s engineering and commercial teams.
2. Experience in simulating or characterising semiconductor devices (ideally photodetectors or APDs), strong quantitative and programming skills, and proven ability to analyse complex experimental datasets.
3. Experience working with high ‑speed optical or electronic measurement systems, and an understanding of applications such as LiDAR and time ‑of ‑flight ranging.

How to Apply

Please submit your application via the Heriot-Watt recruitment system.

Applications must be submitted by midnight on Sunday 21st June 2026.

At Heriot-Watt, we are passionate about our values, which help connect our people globally and support collaboration and the celebration of success through working together. Our research programmes deliver real-world impact through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent across our global team.

Our flourishing community offers the freedom to challenge, apply an enterprising mindset, and support partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us, and Heriot-Watt will provide a platform to thrive while supporting balance, wellbeing, and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and creating an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated solely on the basis of relevant merit and ability. Equality and diversity are about maximising potential and fostering a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across its community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please visit our website.

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About Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, making it one of the UK’s top universities for innovation, business, and industry.

Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, and Orkney), one in Dubai, and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in specialist areas including science, engineering, design, business, and languages. Heriot-Watt is also Scotland’s most international university, with the largest international student cohort.