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%):
1. Fabricate photonics chips using advanced semiconductor processing (etching, lithography, thin film depositions)
2. Perform statistical analysis of in-line metrology of the fabrication process, develop measurements to ensure reproducibility
3. Explore new material deposition techniques, etching techniques, cladding oxides, wafer platforms
4. Test and learn to operate new tools
5. Characterize the photonic chip performance
Travelling to Buehler Group in Darmstadt and Leibniz (10%):
6. Assist in the process development and master the tools available at Buhler. Document progress and report back to the team.
Design photonic chips and process flows (20%):
7. Modify existing designs to test the tool capabilities
8. Design new PIC devices to demonstrate the capabilities of the developed processes, using new techniques, tools and materials
Documentation and coordination (10%):
9. Quarterly report preparation
10. Technical reports on each new process, as defined in the project tasks
11. Technical meeting organisation and reporting on a need to go basis
12. Publication of new results in high impact journals
Profile
Qualification:
13. PhD in engineering or sciences with micro-nanofabrication of PICs as the theme of the thesis
14. 3-5 years equivalent experience in thin film process development, instrument operation, and/or the fabrication industry
15. Extensive cleanroom experience
Technical skills:
16. Ability to rigorously follow processes
17. Ability to operate instruments with a high level of patience and attention to detail
18. Willingness to maintain highly organized data records
Interpersonal skills:
19. Ability to work independently, with a high level of responsibility
20. Strong communication skills towards the other lab members, CMi staff and collaborators
21. Willingness to work in a multi-national team
22. Willingness to travel
Computer/software skills:
23. Proficiency with Microsoft Office
24. Familiarity with K-layout, COMSOL, Lumerical
Languages:
25. Working proficiency in English, German and/or French is a plus
We offer
26. A young, dynamic, flexible and highly motivated R&D environment
27. A productive team with high scientific and industrial impacts
28. Excellent laboratory conditions at Center of MicroNanoTechnology at EPFL
29. Opportunity to work on technology development with potential continuation in industry
30. Potential for technology transfer to a startup
Information
Only applications submitted throuh the platform will be considered.
Contract Start Date : as soon as possible. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.
Activity Rate : 100%
Contract Type: CDD
Duration: 1 year, renewable
Reference: 2057
Contact
For complementary information, please contact Prof. Tobias Kippenberg by e-mail: