Summary
Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) are revolutionizing data centers, telecommunications, and advanced sensing applications by offering significant improvements in energy efficiency and bandwidth. This PhD position focuses on the foundational aspect of PICs: the epitaxial growth of functional materials. The project aims to explore the limits of epitaxial growth for InP-based materials, correlate growth parameters with electro-optical performance, and investigate the science behind yield and manufacturability to enable large-scale integration of PICs.
PhD Position in Advanced Epitaxial Growth for InP-Based Photonic Integrated Circuits
Designation
Scientific staff (PhD Researcher)
Research Area
Advanced Epitaxial Growth for InP-Based Photonic Integrated Circuits (InGaAsP and InAlGaAs materials), Semiconductor Physics, Material Characterization, Data Analysis for Yield and Manufacturability.
Location
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Eindhoven, Netherlands.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD researcher to delve into the epitaxial growth of Indium Phosphide (InP) and its related compounds, specifically InGaAsP and InAlGaAs. Utilizing a state-of-the-art Aixtron epi reactor, you will explore the fundamental limits of the growth process, focusing on optimizing material uniformity. A core part of your research will involve directly correlating these epitaxial properties to the performance of active and passive photonic components, thereby laying the groundwork for next-generation optical generation and amplification.
Furthermore, this project emphasizes the science behind manufacturing yield. You will conduct rigorous data analysis to understand device yield, identify failure mechanisms, and uncover sources of defects to enhance long-term reliability. By developing predictive models and novel process methods, your goal will be to increase manufacturing accuracy and repeatability. This will involve close collaboration with commercial foundry partners, leveraging real-life fab data to support and validate your models. This position builds upon the pioneering work of the JePPIX Pilot Line in foundry production of complex photonic integrated circuits, and you will work within the Photonic Integration Group and with external integrated photonics researchers.
Eligibility/Qualification
Required Qualifications:
- Masters degree in materials science, applied physics, electrical engineering, or a similar relevant field.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of semiconductor physics, crystallography, and material characterization techniques.
- Familiarity with epitaxial growth processes (such as MOCVD/MOVPE) and compound semiconductor materials.
- Proven ability to analyze large datasets to identify failure mechanisms, sources of defects, and gain insights into device yield.
- Skills in statistical data analysis and the development of models to correlate material properties with device performance.
- Ability to comprehend complex manufacturing challenges and formulate novel process methods to address them.
- Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit a complete application using the online apply button. Applications sent by email or post will not be processed. Your application should include:
- A cover letter detailing your motivation and qualifications for this position.
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information for three references. Please note that references may be contacted at any stage of the recruitment process, so it is advisable to notify them upon submitting your application.
Priority will be given to complete applications. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.
Contact Information:
- For more information about the position, please contact Kevin Williams, hiring manager: k.a.williams@tue.nl.
- For inquiries regarding the application process, please contact Kevin Caris, HR Advisor: k.t.caris@tue.nl.
Last Date for Apply
10-11-2026
Apply Link
Please apply via the official vacancy page: https://www.tue.nl/en/working-at-tue/vacancy-overview/phd-in-advanced-epitaxial-growth-for-inp-based-photonic-integrated-circuits
