Epitaxy Growth Technician

Paragraf’s patented contamination-free deposition technology delivers game-changing opportunities for the commercialisation of graphene by allowing us to manufacture high-purity 2D graphene sheets at scale.

Paragraf is the first company in the world to mass produce graphene-based electronic devices using standard semiconductor processes. We not only specialise in the manufacture of high-purity graphene but also its seamless integration into ready to use products that can be quickly adopted by our customers and partners to support the advancement of their technologies.

At Paragraf we are committed to materially transforming electronics through the development of high-purity graphene products that will facilitate massive improvements in the performance of technologies across all aspects of life.

Founded as a spin out from Cambridge University in 2017 with the aim of transferring the technology from the academic lab into a commercial entity. Since then, we have grown from one site in Somersham, Cambridgeshire and three employees to a team of over 100 people and an additional production facility in Huntingdon as well as sales teams globally promoting Paragraf.

The Role

As a member of the materials epitaxy and growth team you will work across the research, development and production aspects of the department. Your responsibility will be to enable the activities of the scientists and engineers by providing processing and analysis of materials, routine upkeep of systems and some operation of reactors. In a varied role you will provide feedback and results on the materials produced and support the other members of the team across a range of activities. As an important part of materials delivery, you will have a structured mindset and approach that ensures repeatable day to day procedures and highly reproducible analysis.

This is a development role where training will be provided to candidates with enthusiasm, drive and good alignment with Paragraf’s core vision and values.

Key Tasks

• Provide timely, reliable support across all growth research activities to support the operations of the team and the Company.
• Run standard processes to support growth research on both MOCVD and ALD deposition systems.
• Prepare equipment parts and consumables as required for the MOCVD and ALD deposition systems.
• Perform material and electrical characterisation on growth research samples (AFM, Raman, XPS, electrical measurements such as sheet resistance and Hall Effect)
• Collect data and communicate results and observations, providing recommendations where appropriate for process improvement.
• Manage substrate stock and consumable orders for the Growth Research Team
• Liaise with the Equipment Team on routine maintenance tasks to optimise equipment performance and reliability.

Education and Qualifications

• Engineering/Physics/Materials Science diploma or equivalent experience
• Previous relevant experience of working in a similar role will also be considered.

Experience

• Experience of working in an R&D/lab/production facility

It would be an advantage but not essential to have experience of the following:

• Operating a range of deposition techniques & characterisation equipment, such as MOCVD, ALD, Raman, AFM, XPS and SEM
• Experience of working within a clean room
• Experience of vacuum equipment maintenance
• Understanding of basic electrical and electronic engineering

Skills and knowledge

• An enthusiastic want to learn and develop in a research and development technology company
• Keen to take on new challenges and unphased by the need for problem solving
• Diligent and methodical approach to work with desire to complete tasks and get results in an efficient and timely manner
• Ability to manage own time and prioritise tasks correctly
• Understanding of quantitative performance analysis, e.g. SPC, DoE
• Understanding of basic electrical and electronic engineering
• Some knowledge of semiconductor electronic devices

Communication

• Excellent communication skills with the confidence to contribute and encourage ideas generation to senior management
• Effectively communicate technical information, and to report on status of work in a timely manner to senior management
• Ability to present information clearly and appropriately for the audience

Additional factors

• Respect and adherence to confidentiality and critical matters
• Responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy work environment by complying with company policies and processes and all relevant regulations including the use of PPE, as appropriate to the level and scope of the role. This includes participation in health and safety training and reporting of any potential hazards or breaches of safety protocols in the appropriate manner.
• Willing to travel both domestically and abroad
• UK Driving licence

At Paragraf we are constantly looking for new ways to support and reward our team. This is our current list of benefits, they are subject to change and review:

• Group Personal Pension Plan- Employer contribution 5%, Employee contribution minimum 4%
• Private health insurance on completion of probation
• Share Option scheme
• Death in service of 3 times salary and income protection on completion of probation
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays, and the chance to ‘purchase’ up to 5 additional days each year
• Personal and Professional Development Plans and support
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric Vehicle Lease Scheme
• Payroll Giving scheme