Post-Doctoral Researcher- High Speed Photonics Devices R&D

Post-Doctoral Researcher - High Speed Photonics Devices R&D
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork is seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher to join an exciting, recently funded project focused on developing high-speed electro-absorption modulated laser (EML) devices. As part of the Photonics Centre team, you will contribute to the commercialization of an innovative, cost-effective method for producing high-speed EML chips. This technology aims to address the growing market demand for 400G, 800G, and faster optical network upgrades, with the global optical transceiver market projected to exceed $15 billion within the next five years.

Our goal is to bring this breakthrough technology to optical module manufacturers, enabling the production of faster, more efficient transceivers that deliver enhanced performance and profitability. To achieve this, we plan to establish a Tyndall start-up company, set to launch in mid-2026.

Key Roles Description
An essential aspect of your role will be the fabrication of EML devices in Tyndall's state-of-the-art cleanroom, as well as collaboration with our external foundry partner. In Stage 1, you will focus on successfully fabricating the devices to finalize the current technology. Following this, you will engage with foundry experts to support the Principal Investigator (PI) in transferring the fabrication process to our external partner.
In Stage 2, you will collaborate closely with other team members to develop advanced technologies, further enhancing the capabilities of our EML devices. We anticipate that the successful candidate will play a key role in device fabrication within the start-up company once it is established.

Responsibilities

- Device Fabrication: Fabricate devices to meet the required specifications and contribute to the development of advanced technology.
- Device Specifications: Assist the Principal Investigator (PI) in defining device specifications and preparing detailed datasheets.
- Foundry Support: Provide fabrication-processing support to our external foundry partner, ensuring effective knowledge transfer.
- Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system.
- Ensure all activities are compliant with the required Health and Safety standards.

Essential Criteria

- Ph.D. in Photonics: A doctoral degree with a strong focus on photonics.
- Fabrication Experience: At least 2 years of hands-on experience in photonic device fabrication.
- Technical Expertise: Proficiency in operating fabrication tools within a standard III-V semiconductor fabrication line.
- Photonic design and simulation: experience in the design and simulation of photonic devices.
- Mask design: understanding of mask design for III-V photonic devices.
- Entrepreneurial Interest: A genuine interest in contributing to the formation and growth of a start-up company.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities for effective collaboration and documentation.

Desirable Criteria

- Foundry Collaboration: Experience in effectively engaging with foundry partners for process transfer and fabrication support.
- RF Design and Testing: Proven expertise in RF design and testing, with a focus on high-speed photonic devices.
- Industry Experience: Previous experience working in an industrial environment, ideally in a relevant field.

Tyndall National institute has a proactive entrepreneurial culture and we welcome applications from candidates who possess entrepreneurial and creative skills/experience, including the creation of technology start-ups.

Appointment will be on the UCC Postdoctorate Researcher salary scale (€46,306 to €52,863 per annum) based on qualification and experience. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Xing Dai.
Closing date for applications is 1pm on 12th September 2025

Application Instructions:
Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter 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.

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

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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