Post-Doctoral Researcher - Silicon Photonics for Computing Applications

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, BaTiO₃, 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.

To Apply

CV including publication list A one-page statement describing your prior research and your interest in the program — please indicate explicitly which theoretical and experimental techniques you bring Names and contact information for three references PDF of one representative publication

The Application Specific Intelligent Computing (ASIC) Lab at USC’s Information Sciences Institute (USC’s ISI) invites applications for a post-doctoral position in Silicon Photonics, with a focus on advanced computing applications.

The selected candidate will contribute to the design, prototyping, and testing of photonic devices and circuits aimed at enabling next-generation computing architectures, such as optical in-memory computing. The role involves close collaboration with leading fabrication partners (e.g., GlobalFoundries, AIM Photonics), participation in multi-project wafer (MPW) tapeouts, and system-level experimental validation of fabricated prototypes. A strong drive for innovation is essential, as the work will push the boundaries of current photonic technologies and computing models.

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