Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Position Overview

The primary purpose of this position is to lead innovative research in photonic accelerators through the design, heterogeneous integration, and characterization of advanced hybrid III‑V/silicon photonic integrated circuits. The position supports the development of next‑generation optical computing technologies that deliver ultra‑wideband performance and energy‑efficient computation by combining III‑V material capabilities with scalable silicon photonics platforms. The incumbent will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance concepts from device design through system demonstration and application validation.

• Drive the end‑to‑end lifecycle of hybrid III‑V/silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs), including definition, architectural design, simulation, layout, and comprehensive characterization.
• Conduct high‑frequency and active device characterization, performing RF testing beyond 50 GHz, standard laser LIV measurements, optical injection locking, Bit Error Rate testing, and eye‑diagram analysis.
• Guide and mentor a multidisciplinary team of Ph.D., Master’s, and undergraduate student researchers, fostering technical growth and aligning their work with project milestones.
• Author, review, and present high‑impact manuscripts and technical papers for publication in top‑tier peer‑reviewed journals and international academic conferences.
• Partner with internal and external multidisciplinary teams to transition novel photonic concepts into validated hardware prototypes and system demonstrations.

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Deep technical understanding of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and components, including lasers, modulators, amplifiers, detectors, passives, and optical coupling.
• Proven experience in PIC simulation, design, and layout using industry‑standard tools (e.g., Lumerical, Tidy3D, IPKISS, KLayout, Cadence, or GDSFactory).
• Extensive laboratory experience with PIC characterization across O‑O, O‑E, and E‑O configurations, alongside high‑speed RF electro‑optical testing.
• Familiarity with die‑ or wafer‑level probing of both active and passive PIC devices.
• Demonstrated track record in the design, fabrication, and physical characterization of photonic devices and systems.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills, with a proven ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and protected veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.