Research Scientist, Silicon Photonics design and Integration

Karlstad University; Espoo; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

VTT invites applications for a Research Scientist in Silicon Photonics design and integration. The role focuses on developing fast photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and applying them to optical interconnects, RoF, and quantum-ready platforms.

You will collaborate across teams in Espoo, contributing to fabrication-ready designs and system-level integration. The position emphasizes hands-on design, simulation, and testing in a world-class cleanroom, with opportunities to publish and present

Qualifications

• Master's degree in physics, photonics, electrical engineering or related field.
• Good understanding of RF signals in MHz/GHz range.
• Programming skills, e.g., Python, for data analysis and simulations.
• Excellent oral and written English communication.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate and test optical waveguide components (modulators, switches, multiplexers, detectors).
• Develop PICs and PIC-based systems for fast optical signals in MHz/GHz range.
• Contribute to assembly, packaging and integration with control electronics and software.
• Collaborate with wafer processing experts to ensure fabrication feasibility at VTT or partners.
• Assist in reporting and dissemination of research results.

Skills

RF signals knowledge

Python programming

English communication

Education

Master's degree in physics

Job description

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Research Scientist, Silicon Photonics design and Integration

Are you interested indeveloping fastphotonic integrated circuitsand looking for a new job opportunity in the field?Would you like to develop innovative technology with superb colleagues who are top experts in their field? Do you wanttowork at the interface of academy and industryusingstate-of-the-artresearch facilities? VTT might be just the place for you.

VTT is one of the leading applied researchorganisationsin Europe. What unites us are curiosity, a passion for learning, and a purpose: to solve the biggest challenges of our time and turn them into sustainable growth and well-being. Our cross-disciplinary community of over 2000 brilliant minds from 55+ different nationalitiesfocuseson creating impact through science-based innovation. In recent years, we have created ground-breaking innovations such as the world's fastest and mostaccurateradiation detector, a cancer-sniffing sensor device for smartphones, and a headphone set entirely made of microbial materials. Get to know us further by exploringVTT's tech & infra .

We arenowlooking foraResearchScientistto join ourSilicon photonicsteam.

As aResearchScientist, youwilldevelopfast photonic integratedcircuits (PICs)andtheiruse in different applications, such asoptical interconnects (and networks) indata centres, radio-over-fiber(RoF), microwave photonics(MWP, mainlyfor mobile networks),satellite networks,free-space optical (FSO) communication, andoptical interconnects for quantum computers.You will contribute tomultipleprojects thatfocus on differentPIC technologies andapplications, butyour main research focus will be onthose that involve the creation,manipulationand detectionoffast opticalsignals, typically in the GHz range.Yourrole will involve at least the design, simulationand testingforPICsand PIC-based systems.Depending on the applicationsand your own skills,you may also get involved in the development of electronicsandsoftwarefor PIC-based systems.

Ourin-housePIC technologyincludesthedesign, fabrication,assembly, packaging andtestingofcomponents,circuitsand systems that are based on optical waveguides integrated onsmall silicon chips.All thesedevelopment steps can be done at VTT, including200 mm wafer processingin ourMicronovacleanroomfacility in Espoo,although we also collaborate with many other organizations todothese tasks.OurSilicon Photonicsteamis one of the global pioneers in the development ofPIC technology.Wemainly focusonPICsthat are based on silicon-on-insulator(SOI)or silicon nitridewaveguides,whileweoften hybridintegratethese withother materialsand PIC technologies, such asgermanium, lithium niobate,grapheneandIII-V compound semiconductors.Our3 µm thick SOIwaveguides allow to makelow-lossPICs for an extremely wide range of infraredwavelengths (1.2 -4µm), while theSiNwaveguidesextend thefeasiblewavelength range to visible wavelengths.We believe that PIC technology plays a key role in solving many global challenges(climate change,healthcare,power-efficient digitalizationetc.),while also offering good business opportunities.

• Design, simulate and test optical waveguide components, such as modulators,switches,multiplexers, delaylinesand photodetectors
• Design, simulate and testPICs and PIC-based systemsthat typicallyinvolve fast optical signals in the MHz and GHz range
• At least contribute to the assemblyand packagingof PIC-based systems, and their integration withrelevantcontrolelectronics and software
• Interact with our wafer processingexperts to ensure that the designed PICs can be fabricatedat VTT or elsewhere
• Contributetothe reporting and dissemination of our research results

Who we are looking for:

• At leastMaster's degree in physics,photonics,electrical engineering or related field with dedicated coursesthat cover the theory,technologyand applications of photonics
• At least basic understanding about the theory and technology of optical waveguides, optical single-modefibers, lasers, lenses,andphotodetectors
• At least theoreticalunderstanding ofradio frequency (RF) signalsin the MHz and GHz range, andthetechnologythat isused to create,manipulate,propagateand receive such signals
• At least basic skills in programming, for example with python
• Proficient in oral and written communication in English

We look forward to hearing from you!

Job details

Title

Research Scientist, Silicon Photonics design and Integration

2026-09-23 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)
2026-09-23 22:59 (CET)

Closing on: 2026-09-20 (Europe/Helsinki)

VTT's task is to advance the utilisation and commercialisation of research and technology in commerce and society.