Organisation/Company: UNIVERSITY OF SURREY
Research Field: Engineering, Physics, Chemistry
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country: United Kingdom
Application Deadline: 5 Mar 2025 - 00:00 (UTC)
Type of Contract: Other
Job Status: Full-time
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.
We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.
Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.
University of Surrey – Advanced Technology Institute
Funded by the Ulverscroft Foundation
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join an exciting interdisciplinary project focused on developing an innovative sub-retinal prosthesis using semiconducting polymers. This approach aims to demonstrate a capability of restoring full-colour vision—a development beyond current monochromatic solutions.
Project Overview
This project explores the use of organic soft semiconductor technology, leveraging electronic polymers and small molecules that absorb light in the blue, green, and red parts of the spectrum, mimicking the natural function of cone cells in the human retina. Unlike conventional rigid silicon-based technology, the device concept is to enable flexible, curved, pixelated, and even rollable future prosthesis.
A key focus of the project is the development of organic semiconductor-based photo-activated devices, operational in electrolytic environments, generating photovoltage and photocurrent responses. Understanding and optimising these processes are essential for improving the performance and stability of the prosthesis.
Role and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will work on:
* Investigating and optimising photovoltage and photocurrent response in organic semiconductor-based devices.
* Addressing challenges in bio-interfacing, stability, and biocompatibility with neuronal cells.
* Contributing to project deliverables, meetings, and research dissemination.
Essential Qualifications & Skills
* A PhD (or an EngD) in Physics, Materials Science, Electronic Engineering, Bioengineering, Materials Chemistry or a related field.
* Expertise in solution-processable opto-electronic devices.
* Experience with organic semiconductors, optoelectronics, or bioelectronics as well as in bio-interfacing and cell growth would be an advantage.
* Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Location & Funding
The position will be based at the University of Surrey, Advanced Technology Institute, and is funded by the Ulverscroft Foundation.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their CV and cover letter.
Join us in pushing the boundaries of vision restoration technology.
For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the 'apply online' button above.
In return, we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate, flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family-friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.
The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.
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