Nanofabrication engineer for development of novel photonic integrated circuits — EPFL
- Location
- Lausanne
- Contract
- Full-time
- Posted
- 17 days ago
Full description
Mission
The Laboratory of Photonics and Quantum Measurements (LPQM) at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is seeking a nanofabrication engineer to develop advanced processes and techniques for next-generation photonic integrated circuits and lasers. This role will involve collaborating with Bühler Group on a 2-year industry research project, which has the potential for startup commercialization.
The researcher will be responsible for developing advanced thin film deposition and ion beam trimming techniques on various material platforms, such as SiN, LTOI and LNOI. He/she will lead the collaboration with the Bühler Group on in-house fabrication of wafer-scale integrated photonic circuits, ensuring optimal operation and reproducibility in the cleanroom facilities (CMi). The candidate will design, fabricate, and characterize PICs for the project, as well as develop and improve existing processes and explore new material platforms and tools available from Bühler. He/she will also regularly travel to the R&D facilities in Germany to assist in optimising the recipes. He/she will prepare quarterly reports and facilitate effective technical exchanges between LPQM and the Bühler Group. High-level publications are expected at the end of the project in collaboration with the industrial partner. The position also offers the potential for technology transfer to a startup.
Main duties and responsibilities
Cleanroom work in CMi/Labwork (60%)
- Fabricate photonics chips using advanced semiconductor processing (etching, lithography, thin film depositions)
- Perform statistical analysis of in-line metrology of the fabrication process, develop measurements to ensure reproducibility
- Explore new material deposition techniques, etching techniques, cladding oxides, wafer platforms
- Test and learn to operate new tools
- Characterize the photonic chip performance
Travelling to Bühler Group in Darmstadt and Leibniz (20%)
- Assist in the process development and master the tools available at Bühler
- Document progress and report back to the team
Design photonic chips and process flows (10%)
- Modify existing designs to test the tool capabilities
- Design new PIC devices to demonstrate the capabilities of the developed processes, using new techniques, tools and materials
Documentation and coordination (10%)
- Quarterly report preparation
- Technical reports on each new process, as defined in the project tasks
- Technical meeting organisation and reporting on a need to go basis
- Publication of new results in high impact journals
Profile
Qualification/experience
- PhD in engineering or sciences with micro-nanofabrication of PICs as the theme of the thesis
- 3-5 years equivalent experience in thin film process development, instrument operation, and/or the fabrication industry
- Extensive cleanroom experience
Technical skills
- Ability to rigorously follow processes
- Ability to operate instruments with a high level of patience and attention to detail
- Willingness to maintain highly organized data records
Interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently, with a high level of responsibility
- Strong communication skills towards the other lab members, CMi staff and collaborators
- Willingness to work in a multi-national team
- Willingness to travel
Computer/software skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Familiarity with K-layout, COMSOL, Lumerical
Languages
- Working proficiency in English, German and/or French is a plus
We offer
- A young, dynamic, flexible and highly motivated R&D environment
- A productive team of high scientific and industrial impacts
- Excellent laboratory conditions at Center of MicroNanoTechnology at EPFL
- Opportunity to work on technology development with potential continuation in industry
- Potential for technology transfer to a startup
Information
Contract Start Date : as soon as possible. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.
Only applications submitted through the online platform are considered.
Activity Rate : 100%
Contract Type: CDD
Duration: 1 year renewable
Reference: 2546
Contact
For complementary information, please contact Prof. Tobias Kippenberg per e-mail: [email protected]
Questions about this listing
What salary does EPFL offer for this role?
The original listing does not state a salary. Our estimate for this role and sector in Lausanne is CHF 71'000 - 107'500 gross per year — an estimate, not a figure communicated by EPFL. The calculator on this site converts a gross salary into your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does EPFL offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with EPFL during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Vaud?
EU/EFTA citizens living in an EU/EFTA state can apply for a G permit and can work anywhere in Switzerland: border zones no longer apply to them, and they must return home at least once a week. The Swiss employer files the request with Canton Vaud's migration office after the contract is signed. Processing times vary by canton, so confirm the specifics with Vaud's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at EPFL?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to EPFL's original listing at careers.epfl.ch, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.
