Electronic and Electrical Engineering: EPSRC and Silvaco Group, Inc. Funded PhD Scholarship: New Quantum Transmitting Boundary Method Code for Transport Device Simulations (RS652)

Funding provider(s): 

EPSRC and Silvaco Group, Inc.  

Subject area(s): 

Electronic and Electrical Engineering 

Project start date(s):

• 1 October 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-September) 
• 1 January 2025 

Supervisors: Karol Kalna - 1st supervisor, Antonio Martinez - 2nd supervisor, Mr Roberto Grassi, Silvaco - external supervisor 

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering 

Mode of study: Full-time

Project description: 

This postgraduate research studentship is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of a novel quantum simulation device technique. This project is a collaborative effort with Silvaco Group, Inc., a leading global company specializing in the development of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) and Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) software. The primary objective of this scholarship is to devise a quantum simulation technique capable of solving Schrödinger and Poisson equations in open systems, such as semiconductor devices, in a self-consistent manner. This will be achieved through the application of the Quantum Transmitting Boundary Method (QTBM). The silicon nanowire transistor will serve as the test device for this project. The ultimate goal is to develop a 3D QTBM code with dissipative scattering, which will be instrumental in predicting the performance of multi-gate nanoscale transistors. These include FinFETs, nanowire, and nanosheet FETs, which are pivotal for future sub-3 nm technology nodes. The approach will also be tested for the inclusion of electron-photon scattering and applied to the simulation of optoelectronic devices such as quantum well LEDs and photodetectors. This studentship presents a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of quantum simulation technology and contribute to the future of semiconductor devices. 

If you hold a degree in physics, computer science, or electrical engineering and are keen on advancing your career with a globally recognized TCAD software company, we encourage you to apply as directed below.

Candidates must hold a UK Bachelor degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in Engineering, or similar relevant science discipline, or overseas Bachelor degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline – see country specific qualifications.

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237.

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

1. Course choice – please select Electronic and Electrical Engineering / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October 
   OR for January 2025 start select:
   Electronic and Electrical Engineering/ PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / January 

   In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application. In this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

2. Start year – please select 2024 or 2025
3. Funding (page 8) –

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter 'RS652 - Transport Device Simulations'.

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying; please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email). We strongly advise you to provide the listed supporting documents by the advertised closing date, where possible:

• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.
• Two references (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
• Confirmation of EDI form submission (optional) 

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Professor Karol Kalna (k.kalna@swansea.ac.uk / (+44)1792 606678).

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.