PhD project in High-performance non-volatile rewritable memory on flexible substrates
PhD @University of Southampton posted 2 days agoJob Description
About the project
Flexible electronics are transforming modern technology, enabling lightweight, bendable, and wearable devices that integrate seamlessly into everyday life. From healthcare to smart packaging, flexible electronics provide novel functionalities that rigid counterparts cannot achieve. This project aims to develop highly reliable, durable, and high-speed non-volatile memory on flexible substrates.
This project will focus on materials and device engineering to ensure compatibility with both Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) and N-type Metal-Oxide-Semiconductors (NMOS) manufacturing flows, ultimately leading to in-memory computing applications and neuromorphic-capable memory units. It will contribute to next-generation flexible electronics and establish strong industry-academia collaboration in non-volatile memory research within the UK.
This project will involve identifying and assessing existing non-volatile memory technologies compatible with flexible substrates, developing novel materials and optimizing fabrication techniques within the University of Southampton’s Nanofabrication Centre and Electronics Measurement Laboratory. It will transfer the developed memory devices to Pragmatic Semiconductor Ltd. for potential commercialization, with manufacturing either fully in-house or in collaboration with University facilities.
You will join the Sustainable Electronic Technologies Research Group (SET) in the School of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS). It leads in research and education activities covering a broad range of topics on nanotechnology, electronics and electrical engineering. You will gain hands-on experience with advanced nanofabrication and characterisation techniques, working in the state-of-the-art Southampton Nanofabrication Centre and Electronics Measurement Laboratory.
You will receive training to expand your transferrable skills, such as effective oral and written communication, project management, and entrepreneurial skills. During the course of this project, you will also have the unique opportunity to work in Pragmatic Semiconductor Ltd., gaining valuable industry experience and insights, working alongside experts in the field to translate cutting-edge research into real-world applications.
Entry requirements
You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, in one of the following:
- electronics
- materials Science
- engineering
or a related field.
Essential skills:
- strong analytical, problem-solving, and laboratory skills
- experience or interest in device fabrication, materials development, and electrical characterization
- excellent communication and writing skills
Fees and funding
For UK students, tuition Fees will be paid and you will receive a tax-free enhanced stipend (living allowance) above the standard UKRI rate, per year for up to 4 years. Funding is provided by the EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award.
International students are also encouraged to apply, though funding for overseas applicants is limited and highly competitive.
We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.
Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.
To learn about funding opportunities visit our Doctoral College scholarships and bursaries information.
Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.
How to apply
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- select Full time or Part time
- choose the relevant PhD in Engineering
- add name of the supervisor in section 2
Applications should include:
- a personal statement
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 academic references
- degree transcripts to date
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
If you have a general question, email our doctoral college (feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk).
Project leader
For an initial conversation, email Dr Ruomeng Huang (R.Huang@soton.ac.uk).
