Post-Doctoral Researcher - Silicon Photonics for Computing Applications

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern California invites a highly qualified researcher to lead photonic integrated circuit design and simulation, advancing silicon photonics for AI-enabled computing. You will work with a dynamic team on end-to-end prototyping and validation of cutting-edge photonic hardware.

Collaborations span interdisciplinary teams and external partners, with opportunities to publish and contribute to IP while shaping future computing platforms.

Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or closely related field.
• Strong background in Integrated Photonics with PIC design, layout, and tapeout in commercial foundries.
• Proficiency with photonic design and simulation tools (Lumerical, IPKISS, Ansys, KLayout).
• Hands-on experience in device fabrication, testing, and characterization (probe stations, tunable lasers, optical spectrum analyzers).
• Familiarity with materials such as Si, SiN, AlN, BaTiO, or 2D materials is a plus.
• Strong publication record and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead PIC design and simulation using industry-standard tools.
• Contribute to novel photonic computing architectures including optical in-memory and neuromorphic approaches.
• Coordinate tapeout and fabrication of silicon photonic devices with foundries.
• Characterize fabricated devices using optical and electrical test setups.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and external partners for prototyping and validation.
• Contribute to publications, technical reports, and IP development.

Skills

PIC design

Layout

Tapeout

Photonic design tools

Device testing

Education

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

Tools

Lumerical

IPKISS

Ansys

KLayout

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design and simulation using commercial tools.
• Contribute to novel photonic computing architectures including optical in-memory and neuromorphic computing.
• Coordinate tapeout and fabrication of silicon photonic devices with commercial foundries.
• Characterize fabricated devices using optical and electrical test setups.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and external partners for end-to-end prototyping and validation.
• Contribute to publications, technical reports, and intellectual property development.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in Integrated Phonics, including demonstrated experience in PIC design, layout, and tapeout in commercial foundries.
• Proficiency with photonic design and simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, IPKISS, Ansys, KLayout).
• Hands-on experience in device fabrication, testing, and characterization (e.g., using probe stations, tunable lasers, optical spectrum analyzers).
• Familiarity with materials such as Si, SiN, AlN, BaTiO, or 2D materials is a plus.
• Strong publication record and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with MPW runs (e.g., AIM Photonics, GF Fotonix).
• Exposure to optical in-memory compute or optical AI accelerators.
• Familiarity with advanced packaging methods for photonics.
• Previous collaboration with industry or transition of research to commercial applications.

Salary range: The annual base salary range for this position is $75,000 to $85,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Why Join Us

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in photonics-enabled hardware acceleration for AI and advanced computing. You will work alongside a dynamic team at the forefront of next-generation system design, engaging in real-world prototyping with direct impact on future computing platforms.

The role provides hands‑on collaboration with top‑tier fabrication partners and national research consortia, access to advanced prototyping infrastructure, and the chance to shape the direction of innovative silicon photonics technologies. It is an ideal opportunity for those passionate about bridging fundamental research with practical, scalable solutions.