KAUST: Nanofabrication for Light-Emitting Devices (postdoc)

Job Description

Organization: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Faculty/Department/Division: Physical Science and Engineering Division, Semiconductors and Materials Spectroscopy (SMS) Laboratory

Location: Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

Position: Postdoctoral Research Position: Nanofabrication for Emitting Device Applications

Project Overview

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in the Semiconductors and Materials Spectroscopy (SMS) Laboratory within the Physical Science and Engineering Division.

The research group investigates wide-bandgap semiconductors, particularly gallium nitride (GaN), related III-nitride semiconductors and oxide materials, for optoelectronic applications. The position focuses on advanced nanofabrication processes for emitting devices, especially laser diodes and LEDs.

The laboratory is equipped with advanced laser facilities and spectroscopic instrumentation, including continuous-wave lasers, an ultrafast Ti laser with harmonic generation, a streak camera and an optical parametric oscillator (OPO).

The group collaborates with international research institutions across the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, China, Taiwan and Japan.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out cleanroom fabrication using solution-based and vacuum-based processes.
• Perform electron-beam lithography, electron-beam deposition and sputtering.
• Design, fabricate and process optoelectronic devices, including LEDs and laser diodes.
• Plan experimental activities and work towards project deadlines.
• Discuss research directions and objectives with the supervisor within the scope of the project.
• Support less experienced team members, including PhD students.
• Document experimental results for research papers, reports and presentations.
• Contribute to manuscripts, technical reports and grant-related documentation.
• Develop and maintain external research collaborations.
• Present research findings at scientific meetings and conferences.
• Carry out additional research duties assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline, such as physics, chemistry, materials science or optoelectronics.
• Demonstrated experience in LED and laser diode fabrication.
• Experience in cleanroom fabrication of thin films using solution-based and vacuum-based processes.
• Practical knowledge of electron-beam lithography, electron-beam deposition and sputtering.
• A publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• A strong theoretical background in optoelectronic devices.
• Experience in optical and electrical characterization of semiconductor nanostructures or devices.
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Good organizational skills, professional competence and self-motivation.

Preferred Qualifications

The advertisement does not specify a separate preferred-qualification list. Experience directly related to wide-bandgap semiconductor nanostructures, emitting devices and advanced cleanroom fabrication is relevant to the stated research requirements.

Employment Details

• Employment type: Postdoctoral research position.
• Duration: One year from February 2026, with the possibility of extension.
• Start date: February 2026.
• Research group: Semiconductors and Materials Spectroscopy (SMS) Laboratory.
• Research focus: Nanofabrication of emitting devices, laser diodes, LEDs and wide-bandgap semiconductor materials.
• Application process: The supplied advertisement provides an email contact for submitting application documents and an Interfolio application link.

Salary & Benefits

Remuneration is competitive and depends on the applicant’s qualifications and experience. The specific salary amount is not stated.

The advertised benefits include:

• Fully furnished shared accommodation, including utilities, at no cost to the postdoctoral researcher.
• Relocation allowance at the beginning of the contract.
• Health insurance.
• Twenty days of paid vacation leave.
• Travel allowance.

Application Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

• Cover letter.
• Professional CV, including educational background and experience.
• Certificates.
• List of publications.
• Names, affiliations, telephone numbers and email addresses of two referees who may provide reference letters.

The advertisement also mentions references as part of the application materials. Applicants should confirm any additional submission requirements through the official application portal.

English Language Requirement

No formal English-language test or minimum score is specified. However, good written and spoken English is required.

Research Areas

• Advanced nanofabrication
• Compound semiconductors
• Electron-beam lithography
• LEDs and laser diodes
• Materials science and engineering
• Nanostructured semiconductor devices
• Optoelectronics
• Semiconductor thin-film fabrication
• Spectroscopy
• Wide-bandgap materials, including oxides and III-nitride semiconductors

Supervisor(s): Not specified

Contact: [email protected]

Application Deadline: No fixed deadline specified. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged.

Starting Date: February 2026

Reference: Not specified

External Link: https://apply.interfolio.com/179982

Laboratory Website: http://spectroscopy.kaust.edu.sa

Institution Website: https://kaust.edu.sa/en/