Fiber Optics Research Scientist – High-Power Beam Modeling

Nanyang Technological University Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Nanyang Technological University in Singapore invites applications for a Research Scientist / Research Fellow to advance next-generation high-power fiber beam combiners. The role emphasizes developing modeling and experimental capabilities in a cutting-edge fiber optics team.

Responsibilities include building BPM/FEM models, performing thermal analyses, validating against literature and measurements, and collaborating with fabrication to close the loop between theory and practice.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• At least 4 years hands-on optics lab experience and test-bench construction.
• Familiarity with BPM and COMSOL for modeling and simulation.
• Strong theoretical understanding of fiber optics, laser physics, and heat transfer.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop modelling & simulation tools for next-generation high-power fiber beam combiners.
• Model optical behavior using BPM and FEM (COMSOL) to assess taper transitions and fusion zones.
• Perform thermal analysis and validate against empirical data.
• Collaborate with fabrication to diagnose performance gaps and improve designs.
• Build and maintain experimental setups for characterisation of fiber optic components.
• Measure insertion loss, beam quality (M²), and thermal performance under high-power conditions.

Skills

Optics lab experience

Analytical skills

Data-driven research

Excellent communication

Education

PhD in Physics / Optical / Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Beam Propagation Method (BPM) software

COMSOL Multiphysics

Job description

School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering is one of the founding Schools of the Nanyang Technological University. Built on a culture of excellence, the School is renowned for its high academic standards and research. With over 3,000 undergraduates students and 2,000 graduate students it is one of the largest EEE schools in the world and ranks 4th in the field of Electrical & Electronic Engineering in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subjects.

Today, the School has become one of the world’s largest engineering schools that nurtures competent engineers and researchers. Each year, the School graduates over a thousand students who are ready to take on great ambitions and challenges.

For more details, please view: https://www.ntu.edu.sg/eee

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled Research Scientist /Research Fellow to join our cutting-edge fiber optics team. The role will focus on developing next-generation high-power fiber beam combiners. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing advanced modeling and simulation (M&S) tools and the establishment of comprehensive diagnostic and characterization tools. This position requires a strong background in optical physics and hands-on experience in both computational modeling and experimental characterization of optical components.

Key Responsibilities

• Modelling & Simulation (M&S) Tool Development
• Develop and customize simulation templates using Beam Propagation Method (BPM) software (e.g., BeamProp) to model optical behavior in fiber combiners, focusing on critical areas like taper transitions and fusion zones.
• Utilize Finite Element Method (FEM) software (e.g., COMSOL) to perform thermal analysis, modeling heat distribution and dissipation in high-power operational conditions.
• Define theoretical performance benchmarks for optical characteristics such as insertion loss and beam quality by integrating real-world data, such as empirical beam profiles from high-power laser diodes.
• Validate simulation models by calibrating them against established literature and comparing them with empirical data from fabricated components.
• Collaborate with the fabrication team to diagnose sub-optimal performance by identifying discrepancies between theoretical and experimental results.
• Diagnostic Characterisation & Validation
• Design, build, and maintain dedicated experimental setups for the characterization of high-power fiber optic components.
• Conduct precise measurements of key performance metrics, including insertion loss, beam quality (M²), and thermal performance under high-power loads (> 200 W/port).
• Develop and standardize testing procedures to ensure consistent and reliable data collection across multiple samples.
• Implement diagnostic methods, such as fiber index profiling and microscopic visual inspection, to analyze post-processing effects on signal fibers.
• Provide crucial feedback to the M&S and fabrication teams by supplying accurate characterization data, creating a closed-loop development cycle.
  
  

Job Requirements

• PhD qualification degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field
• At least 4 years of relevant experiences / technical hands-on experience in an optics lab, including the design and construction of test benches and characterization of optical components (e.g., measuring insertion loss, beam quality).
• Familiarity with optical and thermal simulation software, and high-power laser systems
• Solid theoretical understanding of fiber optics, laser physics, and heat transfer.
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency in BPM and COMSOL is highly essential.
• Competent in analytical skills with the ability to bridge the gap between theoretical models and experimental results.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a methodical, data-driven approach to research.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
  
  

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.


Hiring Institution: NTU