Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0003088)

Johns Hopkins University; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Gaithersburg, MD, seeks a PREP Research Associate for postdoctoral research on photonic integrated circuits. The role involves developing photonic test structures, conducting literature reviews, and presenting findings. Ideal candidates hold a PhD in a relevant field and have experience with simulation tools like Lumerical and COMSOL. Strong communication skills and familiarity with scripting languages are also required. This position offers a collaborative work environment and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field.
• More than 3 years experience with Lumerical and COMSOL electromagnetic simulation tools.
• Experience with device design and layout for photonics foundries.
• More than 2 years experience with photonic device characterization including linear spectroscopy.
• Familiarity with multiple scripting languages such as MATLAB, C, and Python.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform a literature review for PIC parameter extraction.
• Set up electromagnetic simulation models for PIC platforms.
• Investigate methods to optimize test structure designs.
• Produce layouts for optimized test structure designs.
• Present results at internal and external meetings.
• Ensure results and documentation are archived.

Skills

Experience with Lumerical and COMSOL

Device design and layout

Photonic device characterization

Scripting languages (MATLAB, C, Python)

Strong communication skills

Education

PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering or Applied Physics

Job description

PREP Research Associate

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

The position available is for postdoctoral research on photonic integrated circuits (PICs). The postdoctoral researcher will work with NIST staff and other associates to develop optimized photonic test structures that will be incorporated in PIC process flows and enable extraction of key physical parameters associated with PIC performance, including absorption and scattering loss and refractive index dispersion. Test structures will be optimized for use in PICs based on the silicon‑in‑insulator, silicon nitride, and thin film lithium niobate platforms.

Responsibilities

• Perform a literature review to assess existing test structure designs and methodologies for PIC parameter extraction.
• Set up electromagnetic simulation models of existing test structure geometries to enable simulation and optimization for specific PIC platforms.
• Investigate methods to optimize test structure designs for more robust determination of photonic parameters.
• Produce layouts and work with team members on fabrication and measurement of optimized test structure designs.
• Present results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders such as at photonics conferences or through peer‑reviewed journal publications.
• Ensure that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization.

Qualifications

• A PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• More than 3 years experience with Lumerical and COMSOL electromagnetic simulation tools.
• Experience with device design and layout for photonics foundries.
• More than 2 years experience with photonic device characterization including linear spectroscopy.
• Familiarity with multiple scripting languages such as MATLAB, C, and Python.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Salary Range

Salary Range

The referenced salary range represents the minimum and maximum salaries for this position and is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. The actual compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors, as reasonably determined by the University.

Total Rewards

Total Rewards

Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.

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The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre‑employment background check including education verification.

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Diversity and Inclusion

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Vaccine Requirements

Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID‑19 vaccine. The COVID‑19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID‑19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

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