PhD in Photonic Chip Technologies for Gigabit Wireless Infrastructure

Overview

SPEAR Centre: Fully Funded PhD in 'Photonic Chip Technologies for Gigabit Wireless Infrastructure'

The Semiconductor and Photonics Education and Research (SPEAR) Centre, funded by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), is an €8.5 million cross-border project by Atlantic Technological University, Ulster University, Tyndall National Institute and their associate partner Seagate Technology. The Centre aims to build research capacity in integrated photonics and semiconductor technologies, contributing to the development of Ireland's and Northern Ireland's deep-tech innovation ecosystem. It seeks to train the next generation of scientists and engineers to support growth in sectors such as healthcare, telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, and sensor networks. The position is available at Tyndall National Institute in Cork.

Project Description

Providing the last-mile technologies for the distribution of the broadband internet is a major technological challenge due to the fast increasing number of connected devices, the amount of data traffic and the cost of installing optical fiber or copper cable in densely populated cities. Despite the initial uptake, the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz wireless bands are not able to meet the increasing demand and face congestion/interference. A potential solution is to utilize the unlicensed frequencies in the V-band (40 – 75 GHz) for high data rate communication between mini-base stations with line-of-sight links. Photonic systems can direct V-band radiation between two nodes through beamforming, down-convert the received signal from the V-band carrier and serialize it to intermediate frequencies, but realizing such sophisticated systems on the chip-level is essential for the telecommunication technologies, which require wide deployment. Photonic integrated circuit design and heterogeneous integration of high-performance III-V components on photonic chips are active research areas at Tyndall.

This PhD project will focus on the development of high-speed photodiodes operating at the V-band and their integration on photonic chips with high efficiency coupling. The PhD student will also work closely with other researchers within Tyndall to demonstrate the use of the developed photonic chip in a V-band communication link. The technical skills to be developed by the student include simulation, design, fabrication, integration and characterization of compound semiconductor devices.

Key Responsibilities

- Performing research with responsibility and integrity.
- Adhering to health and safety rules.
- Completing modules for PhD.
- Presenting results at conferences.
- Participating in education and public engagements annually.
- Providing weekly updates.

Essential Criteria

- First or upper second-class honours degree in Physics, Electronic Engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent international degree).
- Highly self-motivated, be able to demonstrate initiative and have a desire to learn.
- The candidate must demonstrate proficiency in English.

Desirable Criteria

- Masters degree in Physics/Engineering/Photonics

What We Offer

A fully funded PhD position that includes a stipend of €25,000/year for up to four years and full coverage of academic fees. The successful candidate will be registered as PhD student at University College Cork. Doctoral students are going to be equipped with the highest level of scientific and engineering research skills needed to address the challenges of developing new integrated photonic technologies for diverse applications, as well as with the entrepreneurial, leadership and teamwork capabilities needed to lead and operate at the highest levels in industry.

As a student in the SPEAR Centre you will join a vibrant, supportive and engaging cohort of 15 students and will have the chance to travel and attend a bespoke induction programme with students from all three partners, an annual training school and have access to advanced training courses in areas such as semiconductor fabrication, packaging, biophotonics and entrepreneurship.

Start Date / Queries

Preferred start date: As soon as possible. In any event, the student must start prior to 1st March 2026 taking into account any administrative requirements (e.g University approvals and visa where relevant).

For inquiries, please contact Fatih Atar. Closing date for applications is 10th October 2025.

Doctoral students are going to be equipped with the highest level of scientific and engineering research skills needed to address the challenges of developing new integrated photonic technologies for diverse applications, as well as with the entrepreneurial, leadership and teamwork capabilities needed to lead and operate at the highest levels in industry.

Application Instructions

Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter (400 words) outlining how you meet the 'Essential Criteria' for this role.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process. The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process. At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies. Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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