Fully Funded PhD Scholarship 2026: Queen’s University Belfast, UK

Applications are now open for a fully funded PhD studentship titled “Advanced Chemically Assisted Ion Beam Etching (CAIBE) for Wafer-Scale Fabrication of Compound Semiconductor Lasers” under the prestigious CAST (Co-operative Awards in Science and Technology) scheme. Hosted by the School of Maths and Physics at Queen’s University Belfast and supported by industry partners Seagate Technology and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, this research opportunity offers students direct access to cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication technologies, advanced microscopy facilities, and industry-focused research environments.

Fully Funded PhD Scholarship 2026: Advanced Chemically Assisted Ion Beam Etching (CAIBE) for Wafer-Scale Fabrication of Compound Semiconductor Lasers

The successful candidate will contribute to next-generation photonic manufacturing by developing innovative CAIBE processes for scalable semiconductor laser fabrication while receiving extensive training in nanofabrication, photonics, semiconductor processing, and advanced electron microscopy.

Scholarship Overview

Designation

PhD Research Student (Fully Funded CAST Studentship)

Research Area

The project focuses on:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Semiconductor Processing
• Photonics and Optoelectronics
• Nanofabrication
• Compound Semiconductor Lasers
• Chemically Assisted Ion Beam Etching (CAIBE)
• Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs)
• Electron Microscopy (TEM and FIB)
• Materials Science
• Applied Physics
• Wafer-Scale Manufacturing

Location

Queen’s University Belfast & Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC)
Belfast

Eligibility / Qualification

Applicants should possess:

• A strong academic background in a relevant STEM discipline.
• Degree qualifications in fields such as:
  • Physics
  • Materials Science
  • Electrical/Electronic Engineering
  • Photonics
  • Nanotechnology
  • Semiconductor Engineering
  • Applied Physics
  • Related Engineering or Scientific disciplines
• Strong interest in applied research and industrial collaboration.
• Motivation to work within interdisciplinary and innovation-driven research environments.
• Interest in advanced manufacturing, photonics, semiconductor technologies, and nanofabrication.

Job Description

The PhD candidate will investigate and optimize Chemically Assisted Ion Beam Etching (CAIBE) processes for the fabrication of compound semiconductor lasers at wafer scale.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and optimizing CAIBE processes for semiconductor laser fabrication.
• Studying etching selectivity of Indium Phosphide (InP) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) materials.
• Investigating fabrication techniques for photonic integrated circuits and heterogeneous integration.
• Utilizing advanced electron microscopy methods including:
  • Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
  • Focused Ion Beam (FIB) Microscopy
• Conducting nanoscale characterization and defect analysis.
• Working with wafer-scale semiconductor processing systems.
• Evaluating laser performance and photonic device architectures.
• Collaborating closely with industrial partners on real-world manufacturing challenges.
• Publishing research findings and presenting results at conferences and workshops.

Training and Research Opportunities

The selected student will gain access to:

At AMIC

• Cleanroom fabrication facilities
• State-of-the-art CAIBE system
• Wafer-scale semiconductor manufacturing tools
• Optoelectronic testing laboratories
• Industry-focused innovation infrastructure

At Queen’s University Belfast

• Advanced photonics and nanotechnology laboratories
• Ewald Microscopy Facilities
• World-class TEM and FIB characterization facilities
• High-performance computing resources
• Interdisciplinary research environments

Professional Development

• Experimental design and data analysis training
• Scientific writing and publication support
• Industry engagement opportunities
• Research seminars and conferences
• Collaboration with leading academics, engineers, and industrial researchers

Scholarship Benefits

The studentship offers:

Financial Support

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Annual maintenance stipend of approximately £20,740
• Additional industry-funded stipend of approximately £5,000 per year

Research Benefits

• Access to cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication technologies
• Advanced microscopy and characterization training
• Direct collaboration with industry leaders
• Participation in translational research projects
• Exposure to commercialization and innovation pathways

Career Prospects

Graduates will be highly competitive for careers in:

• Semiconductor Industry
• Photonics and Optoelectronics
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Data Storage Technologies
• Quantum Technologies
• Research and Academia
• Technology Development
• High-Tech Engineering
• Innovation and Start-up Ventures

Sir Peter Gregson Doctoral Programme

This studentship forms part of the prestigious Sir Peter Gregson Doctoral Programme, which supports collaborative PhD researchers working closely with external industry partners.

The programme provides:

• Professional development workshops
• Networking opportunities
• Industry-academic collaboration experience
• Leadership and innovation training
• Knowledge exchange activities

How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare and submit their application according to the CAST studentship requirements.

Applicants are encouraged to provide:

• Academic transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Relevant qualifications
• Supporting application documents as requested by the university
• Evidence of research interest and suitability for the project

Applications should be submitted through the official PhD admissions and studentship application process at Queen’s University Belfast.

Last Date to Apply

📅 Application Deadline: 12 June 2026 (5:00 PM)

📅 Interview Date: 19 June 2026

📅 Expected Start Date: 1 October 2026

Funding: Full Tuition + Approx. £20,740 Annual Stipend + £5,000 Industry Top-Up.

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