R&D Engineer Epitaxy for Advanced Photonic Integrated Circuits

Short introduction

• Design and optimize epitaxial layerstacks for lasers and modulators to meet target performance
• Execute epitaxy process steps as part of full PIC fabrication flows in collaboration with process engineers
• Develop and maintain a library of agile epitaxy processes to enable generic photonic integration

Job Description

Photonic integrated circuits - or optical chips - have evolved into a mature technology with a broad spectrum of use cases and a diversity of platforms and building blocks. The foundry model is now becoming established where Process Design Kits (PDKs) allow fabless designers to create their own chips with custom functionality. While most developments have previously focused on C-band, bandgap engineering allow indium phosphide photonic circuits to operate at other wavelength ranges. To fully exploit this potential, new photonic building blocks must be developed, including lasers, modulators, photodetectors, and passive components. Extending their operation to the O-band (1310 nm) and the 2-µm band will unlock opportunities in data center interconnects as well as a broad range of sensing applications in healthcare, agrifood, mobility, and others.

We are seeking an R&D engineer to develop novel epitaxial layerstacks for photonic integrated lasers and modulators in both the O-band and 2-µm band. The work will begin at single layerstacks and evolve into multi-layerstacks integration onto the same wafer via etch-and-regrowth techniques. Through applying a strong foundation in materials science and engineering, you will design semiconductor layerstacks for optimal performance of active and passive devices. Key targets will include the accurate control of bandgap, surface morphology, doping profiles and layer interfaces, mostly focusing on AlInGaAs compounds. The epitaxy developments will contribute to novel photonic building blocks for next-generation photonic integrated platforms. Close collaboration with colleagues with device engineers and process engineers is foreseen.

The PIC fabrication work will be carried out at the NanoLab@TU/e cleanroom facility (http://www.tue.nl/nanolab), which hosts a state-of-the-art 4” processing line for III-V semiconductors, including an ASML DUV scanner, AIXTRON MOCVD G10 epitaxy reactor, electron beam lithography, diverse plasma etching tools, wafer-level bonding equipment and others.

The position builds on the pioneering work in the foundry production of complex photonic integrated circuits in the JePPIX Pilot Line. The appointed person will work closely with a team of InP PIC technology experts at the Photonic Integration Technology Centre (PITC) and collaborate with integrated photonics researchers. The person is expected to produce PIC building blocks that are accessible to consortium partners. This new position is within the new Chips for Europe PIXEurope Pilot Line, which brings together InP PIC technology, silicon photonics, test automation and packaging within one technology agnostic design flow with Europe's leading research organisations.

Link for PIXEurope: https://www.tue.nl/en/news-and-events/news-overview/05-12-2024-pixeurope-consortium-to-lead-the-european-pilot-line-on-advanced-photonic-integrated-circuits

Link for PITC: https://pitc.nl

Job Requirements

• Doctorate degree in materials engineering, applied physics or similar.
• Deep-tech understanding of one or more aspects of design, manufacturing or testing for relevant semiconductor foundry technology
• Knowledge on growth of semiconductor materials via MOCVD/MOVPE
• Ability to identify tradeoffs for optimizing optoelectronic layerstacks
• Affinity for hands-on practical work in cleanroom environment
• Knowledge on physics of semiconductor devices
• Ability to understand complex problems and being able to formulate strategies to solve them
• Expertise in photonic integration is not a must, but having relevant background alongside enthusiasm and curiosity to apply your unique experience is required.

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 2 years; this is a temporary position with the possibility of a 2 year extension.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr. Akanksha Kapoor, a.kapoor@tue.nl. 

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 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.