PhD Position - Photonic Integrated Optical Frequency Comb Sources

Job Description

The position is part of the HET (heterogeneous integration) theme within RINN Semiconductors centre and will be based at the Tyndall National Institution and University College Cork. The PhD position is focussed on developing integrated photonic circuits designed to generate III-V based optical frequency combs in a form factor that can be heterogeneously integrated into larger silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs). These PICs will be designed to be used within the NET (Future Networks and the Internet) theme, in particularly focusing on novel photonic data centre interconnects, where the candidate will be encouraged to have significant engagement.

The position will focus on the simulation, design, fabrication and characterization of the PICs based on the NET requirements, with the aim to incorporate the novel devices within a optical communications systems testbed by the end of the project. During the PhD the candidate will be trained in the cleanroom, where they will fabricate their devices, and on characterisation and systems testing. Lab space will be made available for all experimental portions of the role.

The successful applicant will:

• Join a world-class and highly diverse community of more than 100 PhD students, more than a 100 Postdoctoral Researchers and around 35 experienced PIs and Research Fellows
• Engage with over 30 industry partners to learn about their work and future career opportunities
• Become an in-house entrepreneur and explore the opportunity to commercialise your research through a Spin-Out company
• Follow in the footsteps of our current trainees where over 86% of PhDs have transitioned into industry with some of the world's leading semiconductor companies, in Ireland and the EU.
• If you aspire to be a future PI and academic research leader our programme will support you to build your research track record and vision, equipping you to take the next steps on your career journey.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Simulation and design of photonic integrated circuits (PICs).
• Fabrication and further integration of optical frequency comb generating PICs.
• Characterization of Comb PICs.
• Interaction with larger HET theme as well as NET theme within Rinn Semiconductor, where the comb PICs will be further integrated and tested.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
• Ensure compliance with Tyndall's Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations.
• To carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• The minimum academic qualification is a first-class or high second-class honours degree (or an equivalent international degree) in physics, electronic engineering, materials science or related relevant discipline, with a proved curriculum including photonics, semiconductor materials and devices.
• Demonstrate knowledge of semiconductor physics
• Proficiency in a relevant programming/simulation language (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C++).
• Interest in semiconductor fabrication and heterogeneous integration.

Desirable Criteria

• Masters degrees in III-V photonics are welcome and will have a preferential consideration
• Experience in photonic devices or other topics close to the proposed research.
• Experience in integrated photonic circuit design and layout.
• Experience in experimental characterisation of optical and photonic devices.
• Excellent background knowledge of any of the following topics: integrated optics, semiconductor physics, and micro-transfer printing.
• Experience with photonic simulation and design tools (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL, or PIC design/layout environments)

What We Offer

• Full PhD funding, including tuition fees and a tax-free stipend.
• A position within Rinn Semiconductor - Ireland's Centre for Semiconductor Innovation, working at the interface of photonics, semiconductors, and digital healthcare.
• Cross-theme collaboration with the NET (Future Networks and the Internet), and PACK (Advanced Packaging) themes, alongside an extensive network of industry and clinical partners.
• 20 days per annum annual leave for full-time research students, in addition to public holidays.
• Also see here for more information

Terms of Studentship

Contract Type: Full Time
Contract Category: /Fixed Term
Contract Duration: 4 Years

The annual stipend is €25,000, tax free. In addition, annual tuition fees will be paid by directly by the project.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Prof. Frank Peters

Closing of applications is 1pm, 31st August 2026

Application Instructions

Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the 'Essential Criteria' for this role.

Postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency as per UCC regulations (https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/)..%20) Certificates should be valid (usually less than 2 years old) and should be uploaded with their application.
Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process. Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on university approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector. Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies. Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.