About the role
AI summarisedSenior/Principal scientist role leading R&D of high-speed silicon photonics and TFLN modulators for data-center optical interconnects. Focus spans device design, heterogeneous integration, test infrastructure, system architecture, and commercialization.
ResearchOnsiteInstitute of Microelectronics
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development of high-speed thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) modulators for data center applications
- Drive innovation in silicon microring modulators for optical I/O (OIO) and short-reach interconnects
- Contribute to heterogeneous integration strategies, including LN-on-Si and LN-on-SiN platforms, in close collaboration with fabrication and process teams
- Establish and standardize high-speed RF and optical testing methodologies for modulators and photodetectors
- Lead the development and enhancement of ultra-high-speed test infrastructure (≥100 GHz bandwidth, targeting 400 G/lane and beyond)
- Define best practices for data transmission testing, signal integrity analysis, and performance benchmarking
- Define system-level requirements for optical I/O (OIO) based on data center architectures and real-world deployment constraints
- Translate application-level needs into PDK-level performance specifications (e.g., bandwidth, linearity, power efficiency, thermal tolerance)
- Evaluate and benchmark different optical transceiver form factors and map their implications to PIC and PDK development
- Support or lead efforts toward technology spin-off, including PIC- or module-level productization
- Contribute to roadmap definition for scalable manufacturing and potential industry adoption
- Mentor junior researchers and engineers, fostering a high-performance and innovation-driven culture
Requirements
- PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, or a closely related field
- Strong academic training in photonic device physics, modulation techniques, and optoelectronic systems
- Demonstrated expertise in high-speed optical modulator design, such as: Silicon modulators, Lithium niobate (LN/TFLN) modulators, Hybrid and heterogeneous integration (e.g., LN-on-Si)
- Hands-on experience with high-speed optical and RF testing, including modulators and photodetectors
- Strong understanding of optical communication systems, especially for data center and short-reach interconnects
- Experience developing or maintaining photonic PDKs used in real products or customer designs
- Proven experience leading or contributing to end-to-end R&D, from concept and prototyping to system validation
- Familiarity with transitioning research prototypes toward production or commercialization
- Experience working in or closely with industrial research environments is highly desirable
- Prior experience in data center optical interconnects, optical transceivers, or OIO architectures
- Track record of impactful publications, patents, or deployed technologies
- Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary teams (design, process, test, and system)
- Entrepreneurial mindset with interest or experience in spin-offs or technology transfer