KTP Associate in Type-II Superlattice Infrared Detectors

KTP Associate in Type-II Superlattice Infrared Detectors

Physics
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £38,000 - £42,000 p
¿ p.a. (depending on experience) plus £4,000 personal development fund (over two years) (Full-time, Fixed-Term)
Closing Date: Friday 21 August 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Reference: 0711-26

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious graduate to play a central role in an innovative project with a leading organisation in the defence and security sector.

This position has been created through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Lancaster University’s School of Physics and Astronomy and Leonardo UK Ltd, with input from Lancaster’s School of Engineering.

The role is offered as a 24-month fixed-term contract, including a £4,000 personal training and development budget. Upon successful completion of the project, there may be opportunities for continued employment with the company partner.

Leonardo UK is a global leader in the aerospace, defence, and security markets, delivering advanced technologies and solutions to both military and civilian customers. Leonardo’s UK Electronics Division specialises in semiconductor growth, device fabrication, and complex packaging for sensing technologies, and is a world-leading manufacturer of IR cameras. To explore Leonardo further, please visit Leonardo UK .

As KTP Associate, you will lead a project focused on developing novel sensing materials for infrared detectors, which will be integrated into existing systems for Leonardo’s customers and support expansion into new commercial markets. Although employed by Lancaster University, you will be primarily based at Leonardo’s Southampton site within the Systems Engineering Team, working closely with the Principal Semiconductor Engineer and Lead Materials Engineering Specialist.

You will collaborate with senior management at Leonardo and academic experts from Lancaster University, principally Dr Andrew Marshall and Dr Peter Carrington. Lancaster University and Leonardo have a strong, decade-long research partnership.

During the project, you will undertake four extended visits (between 2 and 8 weeks each) to Lancaster University to access specialist semiconductor growth and fabrication facilities for project work. Accommodation will be provided during these visits.

Lancaster University is a top-10 UK university and ranked top-125 globally. Its School of Physics and Astronomy is one of the strongest in the UK, with  rating 98% of research outputs as world-leading or internationally excellent, and 100% of research environments at the same level. The School of Engineering is a broad-based centre of excellence with world-class research, innovative teaching, and strong industrial engagement.

Lancaster is the UK leader in T2SL research.

The novel design of this KTP project, combined with the generous support package and close supervision from both industry and a leading university, makes this an exceptional opportunity to take a leading role in cutting-edge innovation. You will develop highly transferable skills in entrepreneurship
,,
teamwork
,,
external stakeholder engagement
, and organisational awareness, all of which will be invaluable throughout your career. This role also offers a strong platform to launch or accelerate a career in advanced semiconductor technologies.

You will be embedded within a successful commercial business, leading the project from start to finish and gaining hands-on experience in commercial awareness, technical delivery, and business operations.

Ideally, you will hold a PhD
in a relevant field such as semiconductor physics, electronics, or materials science. You should already have experience in areas aligned with the project, for example, working with III-V semiconductors
, and performing photodetector characterisation at room temperature and in cryogenic environments.

Experience with
T2SL detectors is highly desirable. These skills may have been gained through your doctoral research or relevant industrial experience. You will also need basic numerical-modeling skills
, an analytical mindset, and the ability to innovate.

We are looking for a motivated…