research associate in rf-acoustics

The role

We are looking to recruit a research associate (RA) for our recently awarded EPSRC standard mode project GLIMMER aims to rethink radio frequency systems from the ground up by applying ideas from integrated photonics to high frequency (GHz) acoustic waves. Guiding sound in (acoustic) index confined waveguides on the surface of a chip reduces the foot-print of traditional acoustic wave components like filters, resonators and delay lines by two orders of magnitude (analogous to moving from optical fibers to silicon photonics) paving the way for monolithic integration with active devices. We will use gallium nitride as the material platform to develop and implement these ideas.
Given the inter-disciplinary nature of the work, the candidate we are looking for is ideally someone with a background in RF or Microwave Engineering who would like to expand their research horizons to RF-Acoustic device design . This will require the use of a range of circuit simulators such as COMSOL and CST and the use of wafer probe characterisation techniques. The work also provides candidates with extensive opportunities to engage with industry through our project partners at IQE, TI and Qorvo.
The work will be carried out in the group of the Co-I, Professor Cryan alongside the project PI, Krishna Balram, and the candidate will be a part of the wider photonics and quantum research group at Bristol. Our labs in Bristol are well equipped to carry out this work including a 50GHz Vector Network Analyzer and wafer probe station. The Bristol cleanroom has been recently upgraded and features state of the art nanofabrication tools (including a Raith Voyager system for electron beam lithography).
 
 

What will I be doing

The RA will be expected to lead the day to day research activity of the project. This will involve device design and simulation (using finite element tools like CST and COMSOL), and device characterization (involving high frequency RF and cryogenic tests). This research activity is part of our group’s overall vision for RF-Acoustics and as such the RA is expected to contribute to the wider efforts in this direction happening in the group. This will involve training and supervising PhD students and helping other members of the group with certain aspects of their projects, where feasible. In return, the RA can expect support from the whole team for their work as a lot of the device design and fabrication aspects are similar. The RA would also be expected to help with day to day management of undergraduate and MSc projects. Depending on the RA’s interests, there will be opportunities to obtain experience teaching and writing research proposals.
The work done as part of this project will result in some high impact papers and the RA will have opportunities to present this work at

You should apply if

You are interested in working on a new and emerging research area at the intersection between existing disciplines and pushing the frontiers of RF integration.
You have a background in one of the areas underlying the project: radio frequency device design and characterization, acoustic wave devices is highly desirable. We welcome candidates with other backgrounds to get in touch regarding potential project fit.
You are interested in all aspects of the project, from device design to fabrication to characterization. Prior experience with numerical simulation tools and high-speed device characterisation would be beneficial.
Interested in working as part of a team and helping contribute to other experiments where you are not directly leading.
You are interested in working with and mentoring undergraduate and PhD students and want to pursue an academic career.



For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Martin Cryan, m.cryan@bristol.ac.uk
To find out more about what it's like to work in the Faculty of Engineering, and how the Faculty supports people to achieve their potential, please see our staff blog:
https://engineeringincludesme.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/
We welcome applications from all members of our community and are particularly encouraging those from diverse groups, such as members of the LGBT+ and BAME communities, to join us.  « Return to the search results