Scientist for PDA (Photonics), IME

A*STAR RESEARCH ENTITIES; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR RESEARCH ENTITIES is seeking a Scientist to lead the technical development of a next-generation Photonic Design Automation platform. You will drive algorithms, HPC, and software architecture for photonic IC design.

Responsibilities include delivering core PDA technologies, optimizing workloads on CPUs/GPUs, and shaping the platform roadmap. You will collaborate with researchers, engineers, and partners to productionize research prototypes and ensure high performance.

Qualifications

• PhD in CS/Engineering/Physics or related field.
• Strong research and engineering in algorithms, HPC, or complex software systems.
• Expert proficiency in a systems language and Python.
• Strong foundation in algorithms, computer systems, parallel computing, and software architecture.
• Advanced experience with HPC technologies (CUDA, MPI, OpenMP, GPU programming).
• Solid knowledge of machine learning frameworks and deployment.
• Proven technical leadership and collaboration skills.
• Interest in photonics or computational design.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver core PDA technologies (DRC, layout processing, rendering, routing).
• Optimize workloads for multicore CPUs, GPUs, and distributed systems (CUDA, MPI, OpenMP).
• Define platform architecture, APIs, data structures, testing, and roadmap.
• Evaluate AI applications like inverse design and surrogate modelling.
• Convert research prototypes into production-quality software.
• Lead engineers and external partners; manage risks and delivery quality.
• Collaborate with photonics researchers, software engineers, and product stakeholders.

Skills

Algorithms

Parallel computing

Python

C/C++

ML frameworks

Technical leadership

Communication

Education

PhD in related field

Tools

CUDA

MPI

OpenMP

GPU programming

Job description

We are seeking a Scientist to lead the technical development of a next-generation Photonic Design Automation platform. The role combines algorithm research, high-performance computing, software architecture, AI validation, and technical leadership for photonic integrated circuit design.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver core PDA technologies, including DRC, layout processing, rendering, routing, numerical solvers, and design automation algorithms.
• Optimize computational workloads for multicore CPUs, GPUs, and distributed systems using technologies such as CUDA, MPI, and OpenMP.
• Define the platform architecture, APIs, data structures, development standards, testing framework, and technical roadmap.
• Evaluate AI applications such as inverse design, surrogate modelling, solver acceleration, routing, layout generation, and automated design assistance.
• Convert research prototypes into reliable, scalable, and production-quality software.
• Lead engineers and external partners, review technical work, manage risks, and ensure delivery quality and performance.
• Collaborate with photonics researchers, simulation specialists, software engineers, and product stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Strong research and engineering experience in algorithms, scientific computing, or complex software systems.
• Expert proficiency in a systems programming language and strong proficiency in Python.
• Strong foundation in algorithms, computer systems, parallel computing, distributed systems, and software architecture.
• Advanced experience with at least two HPC technologies, such as CUDA, MPI, OpenMP, GPU programming, SIMD, or distributed computing.
• Solid knowledge of machine learning frameworks, model development, evaluation, and deployment.
• Proven technical leadership, problem-solving, communication, and software delivery capabilities.
• Strong interest in photonics, silicon photonics, or computational design.