Research Associate (Limited Term) (6 Month Term)

InsideHigherEd; Niagara Falls; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university is seeking a Research Associate specializing in photonics and AI for a limited 6-month term. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research focusing on integrated photonic components, supporting student learning and mentoring junior researchers. The role demands advanced knowledge and collaboration within a renowned faculty dedicated to impactful technology optimization in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• PhD required, minimum 3 years of experience in silicon integrated photonics.
• Experience with semiconductor optical amplifiers essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research at the intersection of integrated photonics and AI.
• Train students and postdoctoral fellows on design and measurements.
• Publish research findings at conferences and journals.

Skills

Integrated photonics design

Characterization of photonic circuits

AI for photonics

Mentorship

Communication

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering or Applied Physics

Job description

Research Associate (Limited Term) (6 Month Term))

Date Posted : 06 / 23 / 2025

Faculty / Division : Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Department : Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering

Campus : St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description :

The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering is Canada’s top-ranked ECE department, and one of the largest. We are home to 100 active and Emeritus professors, more than 1,400 undergraduate and 800 graduate students. Many of our faculty members are world leaders in their field and have been recognized as the brightest and most promising scientists and engineers across the country.

ECE is a hotbed of research commercialization, by far the most productive department for new inventions at the University of Toronto. In our department, you will work at the heart of the most rapidly developing technology humankind has ever seen.

Applications are invited for appointment as Research Associate in Photonics in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, at the University of Toronto. This is a full-time position for a 6 month term for a research associate to work with Prof. Joyce Poon and her research group to conduct research at the intersection of AI and integrated photonics.

The successful candidate will have a successful record in working in integrated photonics (e.g., simulation and design, layout, characterization) and strong interest or experience in AI. The candidate will be responsible for (1) Developing models of and measuring active and amplifying integrated photonic components, (2) Characterization of multi-wavelength silicon photonic circuits, (3) Intelligent automation photonic experiments, and (4) Providing support to and training junior research group members.

The candidate should have extensive experience in (a) integrated photonics design, testing, and packaging, (b) using a broad range of optical and electronic instruments in the lab, including but not limited to various diode laser sources, fiber coupling, electronic and RF components and instruments, data acquisition units; (c) providing research support and mentorship to students and postdoctoral fellows. The successful candidate will report to Prof. Joyce Poon.

Duties :

Conduct research at the intersection of integrated photonics and AI for advanced automation

Train students and postdoctoral fellows on photonic integrated circuit design and measurements

Stay up-to-date with relevant literature and emerging research trends

Provide project support and mentoring for research team members

Develop and execute research vision with PI to achieve research goals

The research associate is expected to publish at conferences and in journals

Qualifications :

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics)
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience with demonstrated expertise in silicon integrated photonics
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in working with photonic foundries
• Experience with semiconductor optical amplifiers
• Have a results-driven attitude – no task too big or too small
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and work environment.

Required Documents :

Candidates are requested to submit a comprehensive cover letter that summarizes the research experience of the applicant and a CV.

Notes :

This is a 6-month term position, with a 100% FTE appointment. The term may be extended pending on available funding and performance.

Closing Date : 07 / 22 / 2025,11 : 59PM ET

Employee Group : Research Associate

Schedule : Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone : R01 Research Associates (Limited Term) : $52,574 - $98,576

Job Category : Engineering / Technical

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Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http : / / uoft.me / UP .

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [emailprotected] .

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