Research Fellow – Waveguide‑Integrated Superconducting Nanowire Single‑Photon Detectors

About the role

We are seeking a Research Fellow to lead the integration of superconducting nanowire single‑photon detectors (SNSPDs) with photonic integrated circuits (PICs) at the Centre for Disruptive Photonic Technologies and the National Centre for Advanced Integrated Photonics, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The role combines device development, fabrication workflow optimisation and prototype commercialisation for quantum computing and networking applications.

Key responsibilities

• Design PIC components and integrate waveguide‑coupled SNSPDs.
• Scale and optimise nanofabrication processes, including thin‑film deposition, photo‑ and electron‑beam lithography, and etching.
• Develop and run cryogenic (<10 K) testing setups to characterise detection efficiency, dark count rate, timing jitter and yield.
• Create packaging solutions compatible with cryogenic environments and maintain detailed process documentation.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as cryostats and optical test benches in compliance with safety protocols.
• Participate in the Venture Creation Programme, pilot tests with industry partners and explore commercial use‑cases.
• Contribute to progress reports, IP disclosures, grant proposals and disseminate results through publications and conferences.

Required profile

• Ph.D. in Physics, Optical/Photonic Engineering, Electronic or Semiconductor Engineering, Information Science or a closely related field.
• Hands‑on experience with semiconductor/superconductor nanofabrication, cryogenic electronic device testing or heterogeneous integration.
• Familiarity with single‑photon detection, quantum photonics concepts and photonic circuit design is preferred.

Required skills

• Thin‑film deposition, photo‑ and electron‑beam lithography, etching.
• Cryogenic (<10 K) testing of superconducting devices, cryo‑CMOS.
• Heterogeneous integration and packaging for cryogenic operation.
• Photonic device/circuit design and simulation (e.g., Lumerical, Ansys).
• Data acquisition, analysis and instrument‑control scripting (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW).

What we offer

• Access to state‑of‑the‑art nanofabrication and cryogenic facilities.
• Opportunity to lead a project from prototype to commercial‑ready technology.
• Collaboration with academic and industry partners through the Venture Creation Programme.