Senior Research Scientist

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR); Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Singapore is looking for a highly experienced Senior Scientist to advance high-speed silicon photonics and heterogeneous integration technologies. The role emphasizes device innovation and system-level requirements for data centers. Ideal candidates should have a PhD in relevant fields and expertise in high-speed optical modulators, testing methodologies, and industry experience. This position includes leading innovations and mentoring teams, offering a unique opportunity for commercialization efforts.

Qualifications

• Strong academic training in photonic device physics and modulation techniques.
• Demonstrated expertise in high-speed optical modulator design.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of high-speed thin-film lithium niobate modulators.
• Establish and standardize high-speed RF and optical testing methodologies.
• Define system-level requirements for optical I/O based on data center architectures.
• Support technology spin-off efforts and contribute to scalable manufacturing.

Skills

High-speed optical modulator design

High-speed optical and RF testing

Optical communication systems

Photonic PDKs development

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, or related field

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and self-driven senior scientist to lead and advance high-speed silicon photonics and heterogeneous integration technologies for data center and optical interconnect (OIO) applications. The role will focus on device innovation, system-level definition, and translation of research into scalable platforms and potential commercialization opportunities.

This position is well-suited for a candidate with deep expertise in high-speed optical modulators, heterogeneous integration (e.g., LN-on-Si), and hands-on experience bridging device, system, and application-level requirements.

Responsibilities

Device and Technology Development

• Lead the design and development of high-speed thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) modulators for data center applications.
• Drive innovation in silicon microring modulators for optical I/O (OIO) and short-reach interconnects.
• Contribute to heterogeneous integration strategies, including LN-on-Si and LN-on-SiN platforms, in close collaboration with fabrication and process teams.

Testing and Characterization Standardization

• Establish and standardize high-speed RF and optical testing methodologies for modulators and photodetectors.
• Lead the development and enhancement of ultra-high-speed test infrastructure (≥100 GHz bandwidth, targeting 400 G/lane and beyond).
• Define best practices for data transmission testing, signal integrity analysis, and performance benchmarking.

System-Level Architecture and Requirements

• Define system-level requirements for optical I/O (OIO) based on data center architectures and real-world deployment constraints.
• Translate application-level needs into PDK-level performance specifications (e.g., bandwidth, linearity, power efficiency, thermal tolerance).
• Evaluate and benchmark different optical transceiver form factors and map their implications to PIC and PDK development.

Translation and Commercialization

• Support or lead efforts toward technology spin-off, including PIC- or module-level productization.
• Contribute to roadmap definition for scalable manufacturing and potential industry adoption.
• Mentor junior researchers and engineers, fostering a high-performance and innovation-driven culture.

Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, or a closely related field.
• Strong academic training in photonic device physics, modulation techniques, and optoelectronic systems.

Technical Expertise

• Demonstrated expertise in high-speed optical modulator design, such as: Silicon modulators, Lithium niobate (LN/TFLN) modulators, Hybrid and heterogeneous integration (e.g., LN-on-Si).
• Hands-on experience with high-speed optical and RF testing, including modulators and photodetectors.
• Strong understanding of optical communication systems, especially for data center and short-reach interconnects.
• Experience developing or maintaining photonic PDKs used in real products or customer designs.

Industry and Research Experience

• Proven experience leading or contributing to end-to-end R&D, from concept and prototyping to system validation.
• Familiarity with transitioning research prototypes toward production or commercialization.
• Experience working in or closely with industrial research environments is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in data center optical interconnects, optical transceivers, or OIO architectures.
• Track record of impactful publications, patents, or deployed technologies.
• Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary teams (design, process, test, and system).
• Entrepreneurial mindset with interest or experience in spin-offs or technology transfer.