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Imperial College London
Job Description
Job Title
Research Assistant in the Development of Novel Printable
Organic Field-Effect Transistors
Department /
Section
Department of Physics, Experimental Solid State Physics
group and the Centre for Plastic Electronics
Location
South Kensington Campus
Reporting To
Dr. Alasdair J. Campbell
Working Closely
With
Other Research Assistants and students in the group
and in the Department of Chemistry.
Grade
Academic & Research, Level A
Working Hours
Not normally less than 35 hours per week
Fixed-Term
Until 31 December 2013
Summary of Post
This is to carry out research on fully-printable organic field-effect transistors (OFETs),
focusing on state-of-the-art solution-processable organic semiconductors, novel
nano-scale dielectrics and metal inks, and their printing into large-area, multilayer,
micro- and nano-scale device structures. This post forms part of the European
Commision funded FP7 Printable Organic Large-Area Realisation of Intergrated
Circuits (POLARIC) Project. It is expected that the person will register for a PhD
degree at Imperial College London.
To produce independent and original research involving organic field effect
transistors and complimentary circuits, to submit project reports and publications to
refereed journals, attend project meetings with other project partners, collaborate
with other scientists involved in the POLARIC project (at Imperial College and with
external partners, especially in Germany and Austria) and help with teaching and
administration of the research group.
The ability to print efficiently and reliably complex electronic and optoelectronic
devices will have major impact on the commercial potential of organic electronics and
associated fields impacting on light emitting displays, waveguides, solar cells and the
like. The research carried out in this project will contribute to the design, fabrication,
testing and optimisation of devices as part of a multi-national EU project on printing
of fully-printable organic field-effect transistors and complementary circuits. In
particular we are targeting (i) the design, fabrication, testing and optimisation of fully
printable n- and p- type OFETs involving novel nanoparticle metal inks, (ii) the
design, fabrication, testing and optimisation of low-voltage n- and p- type OFETs
involving novel nano-scale dielectrics, (iii) the design, fabrication, testing and
optimisation of organic complementary circuits based on these OFETs, (iv) the
design, fabrication, testing and optimisation of these organic complementary circuits
in novel architectures.
Research Duties
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To take initiatives in the planning of research
To design, fabricate, test and optimize p-type OFETs using novel organic
semiconductors, dielectrics and metal inks
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To design, fabricate, test and optimize n-type OFETs using novel organic
semiconductors, dielectrics and metal inks
To design, fabricate, test and optimize n- and p- type OFETs in which one or
more layers are printed.
To design, fabricate, test and optimize n- and p- type OFETs in large-area arrays
to achieve uniform performance.
To design, fabricate, test and optimize organic complementary circuits in largearea arrays to achieve uniform performance.
To design, fabricate, test and optimize n- and p- type OFETs printed in novel
architectures.
To design, fabricate, test and optimize organic complementary circuits printed in
novel architectures.
To conduct electrical measurements (transfer and output transistor
characteristics, AC response characteristics, ring oscillator and inverter
characteristics, impedance spectroscopy, dielectric leakage and breakdown JV
characteristics. MIS capacitance voltage measurements, contact resistance
measurements, 4 point probe and sheet conductivity measurements, other
appropriate measurements)
To conduct structural and morphological characterisation measurements at
Imperial and elsewhere (optical microscopy, AFM, TEM, SEM, XRD, GIWAXS,
other appropriate measurements)
To conduct data analysis and to formulate new hypothesis on the different
transistors and circuits and their relationship to materials, fabrication and device
architecture.
To work with project partners in the development of multiple printing methods and
industrial scale-up to roll-to-roll.
To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
To write reports for submission to research sponsors
To present findings to colleagues and at conferences
To submit publications to refereed journals
To help develop intellectual property
To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College
Other Duties
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To undertake appropriate administration tasks
To contribute to the management of the group
To attend relevant meetings
To comply with relevant College policies, including Financial Regulations, Equal
Opportunities Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy, Health and Safety Policy,
Information Systems Security Policy and Intellectual Property Rights and Register
of Interests Policies
To undertake any necessary training and/or development
To maintain safe workplace practice and procedures in accordance with the
requirements of Health and Safety legislation;
To maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant statutory Health and Safety
legislation and recommendations and attend safety training as required.
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by line
manager / supervisor
Imperial College London is committed to equality of opportunity and to
eliminating discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the
principals set out in its Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting
Race Equality Policy and Disability Policy and all other relevant
guidance/practice frameworks.
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to
undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key
responsibilities.
Imperial College London
Person Specification
Job Title
Research Assistant in the Development of Novel Printable
Organic Field-Effect Transistors
Department /
Section
Department of Physics, Experimental Solid State Physics
group and the Centre for Plastic Electronics
Qualifications
A first class or distinction level MSci, MSc or MRes in the area of Nanotechnology,
Nanomaterials or Nanoscience is essential.
Knowledge / Experience
Essential
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The structure, processing, characterisation and optimisation of nano-scale
dielectrics
The structure, processing, characterisation and optimisation of metal
nanoparticles
The design, fabrication, electronic characterisation and optimisation of solutionprocessed organic semiconductor field-effect transistors (OFETs)
The structure – electronic property relationships for semiconductors, dielectrics
and conductors and their combinations as used in solution-processed OFETs
Nano-scale characterisation techniques such as atomic force microscopy and
electron microscopy
A proven publication track record
A basic knowledge of German Language
A very good standard of written English
Desirable
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Organic semiconductor device printing methods
Ability to work closely with Chemists on an applied technology project
Optical and spectroscopic characterisation methods relevant to nano-scale
dielectrics and metal nanoparticles
Skills and Abilities
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Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
Ability to develop and apply new materials, fabrication methods and device
structures.
Good verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of
people
Good written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly
for publication
Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision
Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
Ability to interact with physicists and chemists
Creative approach to problem-solving
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Ability to direct the work of a small research team and motivate others to produce
a high standard of work
Personal Attributes
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Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
Flexible attitude towards work
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad (EU and
beyond) to conduct research and attend conferences