Research Associate (Limited Term) - Integrated ultrafast laser systems for quantum photonics

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 53,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university is seeking a Research Associate to lead research in ultrafast laser systems for quantum photonics. This role requires a PhD and expertise in nonlinear optics and semiconductor optoelectronics. The position involves leading projects, mentoring students, and bridging academic research with industrial applications. This is a full-time, one-year term position with competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in ultrafast lasers and pulse shaping.
• Hands-on experience with optoelectronic measurements.
• Strong experimental and theoretical background in optical systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of integrated ultrafast laser sources.
• Build and characterize testbeds for quantum applications.
• Oversee device characterization including optoelectronic testing.
• Manage laboratory operations and mentor students.

Skills

Ultrafast lasers and pulse shaping

Integrated nonlinear optics

Quantum optics and generation of squeezed states

Semiconductor optoelectronics

Experimental and theoretical optical system design

Free-space and fiber-based setups

Education

PhD in nonlinear photonics or related field

Job description

Date Posted: 07/29/2025
Req ID: 44537
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.

The Amr S. Helmy Group at the University of Toronto is seeking an exceptional Research Associate to lead pioneering research in integrated ultrafast laser systems for quantum photonics. This role focuses on developing all-integrated quantum light sources leveraging high-order nonlinearities for applications in sensing and quantum technologies.

You will lead a small team in the design and implementation of novel mode-locking architectures, dispersion-engineered supercontinuum generation, and χ(2)χ(2)/χ(3)χ(3) nonlinear processes. The work will involve the integration of active III-V semiconductor components with passive dielectric photonic circuits, culminating in extended frequency comb-based squeezed-light sources.

This position is part of a larger industrial collaboration, offering a unique opportunity to bridge cutting-edge academic research with real-world applications and commercialization.

Duties:

• Lead the design and development of integrated wide-bandwidth ultrafast laser sources using heterogeneous photonic platforms.
• Build and characterize testbeds and proof-of-concept demonstrators for quantum and sensing applications.
• Oversee device characterization, including optoelectronic testing and high-speed diagnostics.
• Manage laboratory operations, including equipment procurement, maintenance, and organization.
• Mentor graduate students and research assistants in both theoretical and experimental techniques.
• Coordinate multiple concurrent projects and foster effective collaboration within the group.
• Engage with industrial partners and contribute to the preparation of technical documentation and pitch materials for partnership development.
• Develop and execute research vision with PI to achieve research goals.
• The research associate is expected to publish both at conferences and in journals.

Qualifications:

• PhD in nonlinear photonics or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in:
• Ultrafast lasers and pulse shaping
• Integrated nonlinear optics (including χ(2)χ(2) and χ(3)χ(3) processes)
• Quantum optics and the generation of squeezed states
• Semiconductor optoelectronics, including III-V active structures
• Strong experimental and theoretical background in optical system design, device simulation, and characterization.
• Hands-on experience with free-space and fiber-based optical setups, optoelectronic measurements, and wideband system integration.

Assets:

• Prior experience with heterogeneous integration and frequency comb technologies.
• Familiarity with photonic circuit design tools and semiconductor device modeling.
• Strong track record of project leadership and team management in a research environment.
• Excellent communication skills for technical collaboration and industrial engagement.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to create pitch decks and strategic documents to engage stakeholders.

Required Documents:

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

Note: This is a 1-year term position (renewable for up to 3 years).

Closing Date:08/18/2025,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate
Appointment Type: Grant - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $53,520 - $100,350
Job Category: Engineering / Technical