Research Fellow (Nanophotonics, Applied Physics, Metamaterials)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

National University of Singapore invites applications for a research position focusing on theoretical and experimental work in non-Hermitian topological photonics and metamaterial wave systems. You will explore exceptional-point physics, non-Hermitian skin effects, and THz-BIC resonances using microwave platforms and advanced simulations.

The role requires a PhD and a strong publication record, with the opportunity to collaborate in an international team and contribute to scalable designs across

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in topological band theory, non-Hermitian physics, or photonic crystals.
• Proficiency in COMSOL Multiphysics and Python-based data analysis.
• Experience in microwave or optical experimental techniques is advantageous.
• Demonstrated publication record in reputable journals.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively in an international research team.
• Open to Fixed Term Contract.

Responsibilities

• Investigate non-Hermitian topological phases and anomalous boundary phenomena in microwave photonic metamaterial lattices.
• Investigate non-Hermitian phenomena with no Hermitian analogue spanning theory and microwave experiments.
• Design and realize high-Q photonic resonators based on Bound States in the Continuum (BIC) at THz frequencies and beyond.

Skills

Topological band theory

Non-Hermitian physics

Photonic crystals

Independent work

Collaboration in international team

Publication record

Education

PhD in Physics or Electrical Engineering

Tools

COMSOL Multiphysics

Python

Job description

Job Description

This job is dedicated to conducting theoretical and experimental research in non-Hermitian topological photonics and metamaterial wave systems. The primary objectives include:
1. Investigate non-Hermitian topological phases and anomalous boundary phenomena in microwave photonic metamaterial lattices. By engineering gain–loss distributions and non-reciprocal coupling in structured microwave resonator arrays and waveguide networks, realize and characterize non-Hermitian topological invariants in experimentally accessible microwave platforms. The microwave regime provides a scalable and precisely controllable testbed, where material parameters, loss/gain contrast, and coupling geometry can be tuned lithographically, with findings and design principles directly transferable to THz, mid-infrared, and optical frequencies through geometric scaling.

2. Investigate fundamentally non-Hermitian physical phenomena with no Hermitian analogue, spanning theory and microwave experiment. Target intrinsically non-Hermitian effects — exceptional-point (EP) degeneracies, non-Hermitian skin effect, and anomalous complex-band spectral topology — that are absent in the Hermitian limit. Exploit EPs for ultrasensitive sensing schemes where eigenfrequency splitting scales as a fractional power of the perturbation strength, and explore non-Hermitian wave manipulation mechanisms such as asymmetric mode conversion and unidirectional invisibility for directional control of energy flow. Realize and characterize these phenomena in engineered microwave metamaterial platforms via near-field scanning and vector network analyzer spectroscopy.

3. Design and realize high-Q photonic resonators based on Bound States in the Continuum (BIC) at THz frequencies and beyond. By combining symmetry-analysis, band topology, and COMSOL-based electromagnetic simulation, theoretically design BIC and quasi-BIC resonances in all-dielectric metasurfaces and photonic crystal slabs operating at THz and higher frequencies. Exploit topological protection of BIC modes to achieve ultrahigh quality-factor resonances robust against fabrication disorder. Extend designs to gyromagnetic metamaterial platforms where time-reversal breaking further enriches the BIC phenomenology and enables non-reciprocal topological resonances.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
• Strong background in topological band theory, non-Hermitian physics, or photonic crystals
• Proficiency in numerical simulation (COMSOL Multiphysics) and Python-based data analysis
• Experience in microwave or optical experimental techniques is advantageous
• Demonstrated publication record in reputable journals
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively in an international research team
• Open to Fixed Term Contract