(Senior) Scientist, Device Design for Silicon Photonics Heterogeneous Integration (IME)

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore seeks a Senior Scientist in the Silicon Photonics Department to drive heterogeneously integrated PICs using thin-film lithium niobate on silicon. You will lead device concepts, collaborate across design, process integration and packaging, and push manufacturable solutions with industry partners and research collaborators.

This role requires a PhD and a strong background in photonics, with proven leadership and project execution

Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Photonics, Semiconductor Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong background in semiconductor device design, fabrication, or process integration.
• Experience in TFLN photonics and silicon photonics is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, presentation and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of novel device concepts for the heterogeneous integration of lithium niobate (LN) on 200 mm and 300 mm silicon‑on‑insulator (SOI) platforms.
• Develop product‑ready TFLN‑on‑Silicon Photonics (SiPh) modulators targeting 400 Gbps‑per‑lane and beyond optical interconnect applications.
• Collaborate closely with photonics integration and process development teams to realize the co‑integration of TFLN modulators and germanium (Ge) photodetectors on a common silicon photonics platform.
• Analyze and correlate in‑line process data and off‑line characterization results to understand the impact of process variations on device performance and yield.
• Drive device optimization, process integration, and technology maturation toward manufacturable solutions.
• Manage and execute R&D projects efficiently, accelerating development cycles while delivering value to internal and external stakeholders.
• Engage with industry partners, foundry ecosystems, and research collaborators to advance heterogeneous photonic integration technologies.

Skills

Semiconductor device design

Fabrication

Process integration

DOE

Statistical analysis

Data-driven optimization

Photonic simulation

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Photonics, Semiconductor Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

Photonic design tools

Job description

As part of IME’s Silicon Photonics Department, the successful candidate will play a key role in developing next-generation optical modulators based on Photonics Heterogeneous Integration (PHI), leveraging thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) integrated with silicon photonics platforms. We are seeking highly motivated researchers and engineers to drive innovations in heterogeneously integrated photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for next-generation data communication and interconnect applications.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team spanning photonics design, semiconductor process integration, advanced packaging, and wafer fabrication operations. By utilizing state-of-the‑ahead industry‑standard wafer‑level manufacturing facilities, our team develops scalable photonic solutions with strong potential for high‑volume manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of novel device concepts and designs for the heterogeneous integration of lithium niobate (LN) on 200 mm and 300 mm silicon‑on‑insulator (SOI) platforms.
• Develop product‑ready TFLN‑on‑Silicon Photonics (SiPh) modulators targeting 400 Gbps‑per‑lane and beyond optical interconnect applications.
• Collaborate closely with photonics integration and process development teams to realize the co‑integration of TFLN modulators and germanium (Ge) photodetectors on a common silicon photonics platform.
• Analyze and correlate in‑line process data and off‑line characterization results to understand the impact of process variations on device performance and yield.
• Drive device optimization, process integration, and technology maturation toward manufacturable solutions.
• Manage and execute R&D projects efficiently, accelerating development cycles while delivering value to internal and external stakeholders.
• Engage with industry partners, foundry ecosystems, and research collaborators to advance heterogeneous photonic integration technologies.

Requirements

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Photonics, Semiconductor Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong background in semiconductor device design, fabrication, or process integration.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:
  • Thin‑film lithium niobate (TFLN) modulators
  • Silicon photonics devices and integration
  • Heterogeneous integration and wafer bonding technologies
  • Electro‑optic device design and characterization
  • Hands‑on experience with Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and data‑driven optimization methodologies.
  • Familiarity with photonic simulation and design tools is an advantage.
• Excellent communication, technical presentation, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Additional Requirements For Senior Scientist Position

• Minimum 5 years of relevant industrial or research experience in semiconductor device design, photonic device development, or process integration.
• Demonstrated track record of technical leadership, project execution, and innovation in photonics or semiconductor technologies.