Senior Scientist I, Quantum Technologies ( Institute of Materials Research & Engineering )

A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

National Quantum Federated Foundry (NQFF) seeks a research scientist to join a multidisciplinary team advancing quantum hardware and integrated photonics devices. You will contribute hands-on to design, simulation, packaging, integration, and testing of photonics devices for quantum technologies.

You will work on applications such as quantum key distribution, trapped-ion processors, and photonic quantum computing, collaborating with engineers and researchers across teams.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent research experience in a related field.
• Hands-on optics/photonics experiment and design/simulation experience.
• Familiarity with data acquisition, analysis, and presentation.
• Proficiency in Python for measurement control and data processing.
• Strong communication and collaborative skills.

Responsibilities

• Integrated Photonics Design and Simulations — design and optimize photonic components; run EM simulations; compare with experiments.
• Photonics Device Characterization — setup, calibrate and maintain optical measurement systems; analyze data for design feedback.
• Device Integration and Packaging — develop processes for packaging interfacing photonics, electronics, and mechanics for real-world deployment.

Skills

Python

Data analysis

Optics experimentation

Design/simulation

Communication

Education

PhD in physics / applied physics / electrical engineering / materials science & engineering / mechanical engineering

Tools

Lumerical

KLayout

L-edit

CAD software

Job description

Research Scientist (Photonics and Packaging)

The National Quantum Federated Foundry (NQFF) is seeking a research scientist to join a multidisciplinary team developing essential quantum hardware and device components. The candidate will join our efforts on integrated photonics devices for quantum technology applications. You will be embedded in a team of research scientists and engineers, contributing hands‑on to the design, simulation, packaging, integration, and testing of photonics devices for applications such as quantum key distribution, trapped‑ion quantum processors, and photonic quantum computing.

Main Responsibilities

• Integrated Photonics Design and Simulations — Design integrated photonic components and devices, perform electromagnetic simulations and optimizations, correlate simulation results with experimental data to fine‑tune designs.
• Photonics Device Characterization — Perform optical and electrical characterization of photonics devices; construct, calibrate, and maintain optical measurement setups for device testing; data analysis and feedback towards improved device designs.
• Device Integration and Packaging — Develop and optimize processes for device integration and packaging, including the interfacing with photonics (fibers, lasers, etc.), electronics (PCB and interposers), and mechanics (enclosures, ruggedness testing) required for real‑world deployment.

What We’re Looking For

• PhD in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, material science & engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline.
• Non‑PhD holders with substantial experience are welcome to apply.
• Hands‑on optics/photonics experiment and design/simulation experience relevant to one or more of the focus areas above.
• Familiarity with experimental data acquisition, analysis, and presentation.
• Familiarity with programming (especially in Python) for testing automation, measurement control, and data processing.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative working style.

Experience in any of the following would set you apart

• Photonics simulation tools (e.g. Lumerical).
• Photonics layout design tools and workflows (e.g. KLayout, L‑edit, or equivalent).
• Electrical/RF electronics and associated test equipment.
• Mechanical design with CAD software.
• Cleanroom nanofabrication experience is a bonus.

About NQFF

The National Quantum Federated Foundry (NQFF) is a national quantum programme supporting Singapore's quantum R&D ecosystem and industry partners. Functioning as a research foundry, NQFF covers the full device development cycle — from design to fabrication and characterisation — with the goal of translating next‑generation quantum devices towards real‑world applications. NQFF has established capabilities across multiple quantum technology hardware platforms, ranging from superconducting devices to trapped‑ion and integrated photonics systems. NQFF is hosted at A*STAR IMRE, with teams operating across A*STAR IME and the National University of Singapore (NUS).