Scientist, Optical Technologies & Flat Optics ( Institute of Materials Research & Engineering )

A*STAR International; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR IMRE's Advanced Optical Technologies Department seeks a Research Scientist to develop flat-optics and metasurface technologies. The role spans optical design, simulation, nanofabrication, characterization, data analysis, and system integration for imaging, sensing, and advanced manufacturing.

You will design metalenses and metasurfaces, perform simulations, optimize fabrication workflows, and contribute to publications and patents while collaborating with internal, academic, and industry

Qualifications

• PhD in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or Materials Science.
• Experience in flat optics, metasurfaces, nanophotonics or optical systems.
• Proficiency with FDTD, Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW or similar tools.

Responsibilities

• Design metalenses, metasurfaces, beam shapers, diffractive optics, and lens arrays.
• Perform optical simulations and tolerance analysis using FDTD, FEM, RCWA, Fourier optics, or ray tracing.
• Develop and optimize lithography, laser writing, deposition, etching, lift-off, and wafer-processing workflows.
• Characterize devices using optical measurements, microscopy, SEM, AFM, profilometry, and spectroscopy.
• Develop automated measurement and data-analysis routines.
• Integrate flat-optical components into prototypes and perform alignment, calibration, troubleshooting, and validation.
• Contribute to publications, patents, reports, proposals, and student supervision.
• Collaborate with internal, academic, and industry partners.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Teamwork

Independent research planning

Education

PhD in Optical Engineering or related field

Tools

FDTD

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Job description

Position Overview

The Advanced Optical Technologies Department at IMRE, A*STAR, is seeking a Research Scientist to develop flat-optics and metasurface technologies.

The candidate will work across optical design, simulation, nanofabrication, characterization, data analysis, and system integration for imaging, spectroscopy, sensing, inspection, metrology, and advanced manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Design metalenses, metasurfaces, beam shapers, diffractive optics, and lens arrays.
• Perform optical simulations and tolerance analysis using FDTD, FEM, RCWA, Fourier optics, or ray tracing.
• Develop and optimize lithography, laser writing, deposition, etching, lift-off, and wafer-processing workflows.
• Characterize devices using optical measurements, microscopy, SEM, AFM, profilometry, and spectroscopy.
• Develop automated measurement and data-analysis routines.
• Integrate flat-optical components into prototypes and perform alignment, calibration, troubleshooting, and validation.
• Contribute to publications, patents, reports, proposals, and student supervision.
• Collaborate with internal, academic, and industry partners.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Experience in flat optics, metasurfaces, nanophotonics, optical systems, nanofabrication, or system integration.
• Proficiency in FDTD, Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools.
• Ability to independently plan, execute, and document research.
• Strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work in cleanroom and laser-laboratory environments.

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with Lumerical, COMSOL, CST, Zemax, Code V, or similar software.
• Experience with GDSII layouts, lithography, ICP/RIE, PVD, ALD, or wafer processing.
• Experience in prototype development, automation, industry collaboration, publications, or patents.

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.