ICASE PhD Studentship Bristol-Renishaw – Next generation optical spectroscopy for net-zero wide/ultrawide bandgap semiconductor materials and devices

ICASE PhD Studentship Bristol-Renishaw – Next generation optical spectroscopy for net-zero wide/ultrawide bandgap semiconductor materials and devices

 

About the PhD Project

Are you passionate about developing novel research in optical spectroscopy? Are you also keen to shape the future of our society by developing materials and devices using wide and ultrawide bandgap semiconductors, including GaN, AlGaN and Ga₂O₃? This Industrial CASE (ICASE) project is funded by Renishaw and hosted at the University of Bristol. The successful candidate will be based in the Centre for Device Thermography and Reliability (CDTR) and aligned with the REWIRE Innovation and Knowledge Centre, the UK National Centre for next generation power semiconductor electronic devices for enabling NetZero.

We are recruiting a motivated PhD candidate to work with the latest optical spectroscopy technique developments from Renishaw and apply these to the latest semiconductor materials and devices from University of Bristol. A world-first commercial time-resolved Raman spectroscopy tool will be applied to understand thermal transients in semiconductor devices that impacts device performance and reliability. This research will directly impact how efficient devices convert electrical energies, for example when used to feed in solar or wind power into our national grid.

You will also contribute the development of new materials through in-situ monitoring during materials growth and processing that are highly beneficial for enabling the UK to be world-leader in semiconductor devices that save energy and reduce our CO₂ emissions. You will have the opportunity for placements at Renishaw, near Bristol, and within Bristol you will be part out of 35 member CDTR/REWIRE international team. The CDTR is a world-leading research centre focusing on developing next generation semiconductor electronic devices for net zero, communications and radar technology by improving device thermal management, electrical performance and reliability, using wide and ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors. The PhD is closely aligned with the REWIRE Innovation and Knowledge Centre, led by the University of Bristol and will provide the student additional access to the network.

The successful applicant will receive an annual stipend of £20,780 per year, plus additional research training support grant funds for travel, training, support and consumables.

The aim of ICASE awards is to provide doctoral students with a first-rate, challenging research training experience, within the context of a mutually beneficial research collaboration between academic and industry partner organisations, aimed to provide a better student experience.

Why Join Us?

·        Industrial Collaboration: The PhD student is partnered with an industry collaborator, Renishaw, providing placement opportunities for up to 20 weeks to work and train alongside industry experts.

·        Development Opportunities: A blend of academic and industrial training and upskilling, preparing you for diverse future career pathways in research or industry

·        Funding: A generous fully funded studentship (no fees for home students and a monthly personal payment) with additional support for conferences, travel, training, consumables and extended placement with industry collaborators.

·        Broader Engagement: The PhD is aligned to the REWIRE Innovation and Knowledge Centre, which will provide successful applicants wider opportunities to develop through collaboration and engagement within the network and provide an environment of support and inclusivity to help students thrive. There will also be opportunities to engage with REWIRE Continued Professional Development (CPD) and training activities.

Key Details

·        Host Institution: University of Bristol

·        Industry Partner: Renishaw plc

·        PhD Duration: 4 years

·        Start Date: 1st October 2025

·        Annual stipend: £20,780

The industrial partner, Renishaw, is a global engineering technology group, creating high precision technology for metrology, healthcare, and additive manufacturing. Renishaw design and develop systems and solutions for complete precision, control and reliability.

 

Eligibility

PhD Candidates must hold a minimum of an upper Second-Class UK Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant science or engineering discipline. Home/UK students are strongly preferred for the role, but international students will be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Before you apply

If you are interested in applying, we strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this PhD project.

martin.kuball@bristol.ac.uk, Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies, University of Bristol

Tim.Batten@Renishaw.com, Director and General Manager Spectroscopy, Renishaw plc

How to apply

This project is funded through the EPSRC Industrial CASE scheme for 4 years. The studentship provides funding for tuition fees, an annual stipend, additional funds for travel, training, support and research equipment.

A formal application needs to be submitted through the University of Bristol online application portal. The closing date for applications is 15th April 2025.

Please choose “Physics PhD” as course, and mention “ICASE PhD Studentship Bristol-Renishaw” as the corresponding studentship advert and “Martin Kuball” as the contact person.

Applications should include a Curriculum Vitae, contact information for two potential referees and a short covering letter outlining the applicant’s scientific interests, suitability and motivation to work on the topic.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Bristol is committed to improving diversity within the sector and as such we aim to provide an inclusive environment in which all students can thrive. We particularly encourage applications from women, disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, and students from low-income/ non-typical backgrounds to apply. We can also consider part time PhD students. We encourage and support talented individuals from various STEM backgrounds with ambition and an interest in making a difference. 

Application closing date

15^th April 2025