KTP Associate – Semiconductor Device Engineer

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. 

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

• →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. 

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

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. 

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.

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

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

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