PhD in measurement-driven compact models for photonic integrated circuits

Introduction

Integrated photonics is maturing and integration density increases. This means the design methods and testing strategies need to keep up. Are you interested in exploring compact models and novel characterization techniques? Join our multidisciplinary team and help us unlocking this new era of photonic integrated circuits.

Job Description

As a PhD student in our group, you will be responsible for setting up new compact models. Compact models are the optimum trade-off between the required physical functionality and computation intensity. As such, they enable the simulation of advanced and high-integration-density photonic integrated circuits. (PICs). Specifically, we will be looking at optical amplifiers, lasers and photodetectors, with a focus on noise and high-power behavior. Such compact models will propel the field of PICs into applications beyond communications, e.g., in fiber sensing, metrology and microwave photonics.

Since such models need to be qualified for PIC foundry platforms, you will also be responsible for setting up and evaluating new optical test and characterization techniques. The goal is to be able to measure all the parameters in the compact model in a wafer-scale approach and in a robust way. You will first work in our optical characterization lab, but then transfer these techniques to automated wafer testing tools.

So, where is the scientific challenge in all this? The field of PICs is rapidly evolving, along similar lines as electronics did a few decades ago. We are entering a new era, that is currently not well explored, and we need you to set the new standards of working, and to develop new design concepts. It’s an open field, with lots of opportunities for a creative researcher, who can keep an eye on the bigger picture.

You will be working in close collaboration with the Photonic Integration Technology Center and the foundry, design and test partners in the Pix Europe consortium and in our JePPIX network. Since Eindhoven is located in the heart of the leading semiconductor and photonics ecosystem “Brainport”, close collaboration with a wider range of academic and industrial partners can also be anticipated.

As a PhD student, you will be part of a dynamic and ambitious environment, with plenty of opportunities to develop yourself. Our newly established Casimir Institute - Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) consists of many closely-cooperating research groups, focusing on integrated photonics, semiconductor technology and quantum technology. You will be part of the Photonic Integration group (PhI) at Electrical Engineering, which has about 70 members, 25 of which are PhD students. Our laboratory facilities are extensive and state of the art.

Job Requirements

• Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or similar;
• Affinity with photonic devices and circuits;
• Background in optics, photonics and/or semiconductor devices, e.g., obtained through a relevant MSc thesis project, where experience with modelling and design is of an advantage;
• Comfortable with and interested in the use and the setting up of mathematical models;
• Experience in experimental work, ideally in an optical, photonics and/or laser lab;
• Ability to work with experts from a broad range of scientific and technology backgrounds;
• Fluent spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iIrJzm_ajY

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager prof.dr.ir. Martijn Heck, Full Professor, m.heck@tue.nl, https://www.linkedin.com/in/martijnheck/.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Kevin Caris, HR-Advisor, k.t.caris@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.