The University of Southern California is seeking a post-doctoral researcher in Silicon Photonics, focusing on advanced computing applications. The selected candidate will design, prototype, and test photonic devices and circuits to enable next-generation computing architectures, collaborating with fabrication partners and participating in experimental validation.
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
Skills
- Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or a closely related field
- Strong background in Integrated Photonics, 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
- 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
Benefits
- Hybrid work option available.
Company Overview
University of Southern California is a private research university offering opportunities for interdisciplinary study and collaboration. It was founded in 1880, and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, USA, with a workforce of 10001+ employees. Its website is http://www.usc.edu.Company H1B Sponsorship
University of Southern California has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 25 in 2026, 250 in 2025, 239 in 2024, 171 in 2023, 207 in 2022, 182 in 2021, 195 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.