Your future responsibilities

Mid-infrared photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are a novel type of functional optoelectronic devices for spectroscopy, that combine multiple elements such as lasers, detectors, waveguides, modulators and/or filters on one single chip. 
In this PhD thesis the next generation of such functional mid-infrared PICs will be developed. A special focus is put on the passive components, i.e. waveguides and modulators, as crucial elements, that so far still lack maturity on the currently available PICs. 
To achieve this, the candidate will work with state of the art design tools to model and optimize these passive elements as part of the whole chip, contribute to the process design of the final devices and be part of the team of their fabrication in our state-of-the-art cleanroom. The final mid-infrared PICs will then be characterized and used in on-chip sensing experiments.  

The research will involve:

• Design and development of novel mid-infrared photonic integrated circuits (PICs) with a focus on passive components (low-loss waveguides, efficient splitters/combiners, high-speed modulators, optical filters) for sensing applications
• Explore novel concepts & thin film-based material systems
• Integrate (monolithic, hybrid) the passive components with active mid-infrared lasers and detectors based on well-known III-V material systems (InP, InAs, GaSb)
• Develop fabrication processes for the photonic devices in the R&D cleanroom facilities and in collaboration with the process engineers  
• Conduct electro-optical testing of the devices for optimizing the design 
• Participate in first sensing experiments with external partners from academia and industry 
• Be part of the scientific dissemination of the results (conferences, journal papers, patents) 

Your Leadership responsibilities

Your Scientific responsibilities

Your profile

• Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering or similar with a focus on optics, photonics or semiconductor devices and related areas of expertise.
• Strong motivation in solving physics and engineering problems for applications.
• Experience in at least 1 of the following 3 areas:
  • multi-physics simulations (Comsol, Ansys Lumerical), 
  • working in an optical lab or 
  • working in a cleanroom 
• Good programming skills in Python, Matlab or a similar language.
• Hands-on-attitude, proactive, well-organized and enjoy working in a dynamic and multicultural research team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, German is a plus.
• Experience in using Office tools (Word, Excel, …) .

Important Facts about SAL

• Application deadline: 3 November 2024
• Weekly working hours: 38.5
• Diversified research activities with plenty of technical challenges.
• State-of-the-art lab facilities and instruments.
• Internal and external training opportunities for further development.
• Home Office possible.
• € 4 per day food allowance in restaurants or € 2 per day in supermarkets.
• Family & kids friendly.
• Free coffee/milk/tea & fresh fruits.

For this position you will receive a monthly gross salary of EUR 3,827, which will be paid 14 times a year. Financial support for housing for stays abroad (e.g., in case of secondments) and travelling expenses will be offered on a case-by-case basis after alignment with the supervisor and the CRYSTALLINE program leader.

Become part of Silicon Austria Labs

Application requirements:

• Applicants must not have resided and/or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Austria for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the call deadline.
• Master’s degree including official evidence completed by application deadline.
• Not in possession of a PhD degree.
• Only complete sets of application documents concatenated in a single PDF can be accepted.

Required application documents (concatenated in a single PDF in this order):

• [Mandatory] 1-page letter of motivation (in English), including a declaration of the considered research topic
• [Mandatory] CV (in English), including
  • expertise, skills, and
  • (if applicable) list of internships and publications & patents
• [Mandatory] Scanned copies of transcripts of records for bachelor and the master (or equivalent degree) including the diplomas proofing the completion of the studies (originally issued in English or German, or an official translation in alignment with the guidelines on translation and authentication)
• [Mandatory] Proof of fluency in English at minimum B2 level (Upper Intermediate English). Accepted proofs are e.g. master studies in English or an internationally accepted certificate.
• [Mandatory] Scanned copy of valid Passport/ID
• [Optional] Letter of references from academic reference persons (with contact details)
• [Optional] Authored/Co-authored publications
• [Mandatory] Master thesis

Please check all the details about the application requirements on our website: Crystalline Program Recruitment | SAL Research Network (silicon-austria.com)

Please note: As part of the assessment (please check Selection Process for details), we will send out the set of scientific tasks on Nov 4th till 12:00, CET, for which you will then have exactly 3 days to solve. Please plan your schedule accordingly.