Postdoc in Silicon Photonics for AI-Accelerated Computing

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

Job summary

University of Southern California’s ASIC Lab at ISI seeks a post-doctoral researcher to advance silicon photonics for next-generation computing. You will lead PIC design, simulation, and integration with external foundries, coordinating MPW tapeouts and end-to-end prototyping with partners.

The role emphasizes collaboration across disciplines, hands-on device fabrication, testing, and contributing to publications and IP development. A strong track record in photonics research is essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or related field.
• Strong background in PIC design, layout, and commercial foundry tapeouts.
• Proficiency with photonic design & simulation tools (Lumerical, IPKISS, Ansys, KLayout).
• Hands-on device fabrication, testing, and characterization experience.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

PIC design

photonic integration

system-level prototyping

interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD required

Tools

Lumerical

IPKISS

Ansys

KLayout

Job description

University of Southern California’s ASIC Lab at ISI seeks a post-doctoral researcher to advance silicon photonics for next-generation computing. You will lead PIC design, simulation, and integration with external foundries, coordinating MPW tapeouts and end-to-end prototyping with partners.

The role emphasizes collaboration across disciplines, hands-on device fabrication, testing, and contributing to publications and IP development. A strong track record in photonics research is essential.