Electronic and Electrical Engineering: Fully Funded EPSRC and Silvaco PhD Scholarship: New quantum transmitting boundary method code for transport device simulations (RS608)

Funding providers: EPSRC and Silvaco Group, Inc. 

Subject areas: Electronic and Electrical Engineering 

Project start date: 

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

Supervisors:

• Professor Karol Kalna (Primary supervisor- k.kalna@swansea.ac.uk)
• Dr Antonio Martinez (Secondary 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 EDA and 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 an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirements (see country specific qualifications). Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency. 

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations. 

If you have any questions regarding your academic or fee eligibility based on the above, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in. 

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

Additional research expenses 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 Year / October (or 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 ‘RS608 - 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.

We encourage you to complete the following to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University: 

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (online form) 

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via e-mail). We strongly advise you to provide the listed supporting documents by the advertised application closing date. Please note that your application may not be considered without the documents listed:

• 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).

*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.