Job description

NYU Abu Dhabi invites applications for a Kawader Research Assistant Fellow position in Silicon Photonic Hardware for Neuromorphic Computing within the Photonics Research Laboratory in the Division of Engineering.

The Photonics Research Group at New York University Abu Dhabi seeks a motivated Research Assistant to support research on silicon photonic hardware for neuromorphic computing. The project focuses on developing integrated photonic devices and circuits for energy-efficient artificial intelligence, information processing, and computing applications.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design, simulation, experimental characterization, and testing of silicon and silicon nitride photonic devices. The research may involve programmable photonic circuits, optical neural networks, photonic reservoir computing, non-volatile photonic devices, and the integration of emerging materials with silicon photonics.

• Full-time paid research position for up to 3 years.

  
  
  

• Mentorship by NYUAD faculty.

  
  
  

• Professional development and training opportunities.

  
  
  

• Exposure to cutting-edge research in silicon photonics, integrated photonic circuits, and neuromorphic computing.

  
  
  

• Opportunities to develop expertise in silicon photonic device design, experimental characterization, laboratory automation, and scientific programming.

  
  
  

• Opportunities to contribute to technical reports, journal publications, and conference papers.

  
  
  

• Mentoring and preparation for graduate studies or careers in photonics, semiconductor technology, and artificial intelligence hardware.

  
  
  

• Design and simulate silicon photonic devices and integrated circuits for neuromorphic computing.

  
  
  

• Conduct optical and electrical characterization of photonic devices and systems.

  
  
  

• Develop scripts for instrument control, automated measurements, and data analysis.

  
  
  

• Support device fabrication, packaging, testing, and integration into experimental computing platforms.

  
  
  

• Document research results and contribute to technical reports, presentations, publications, and conference papers.

  
  
  

Supervised by Dr. Mahmoud Rasras

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field is required.

  
  
  

• Basic knowledge of optics, electromagnetics, semiconductor devices, or integrated photonics.

  
  
  

• Programming and data-analysis experience using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.

  
  
  

• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.

  
  
  

• Previous research or project experience in silicon photonics, integrated optics, optoelectronics, or neuromorphic computing.

  
  
  

• Familiarity with photonic simulation tools such as Ansys Lumerical, COMSOL Multiphysics, or similar software.

  
  
  

• Experience with optical measurements, automated test systems, device fabrication, packaging, or machine-learning methods.

  
  
  

The role requires experience or an interest in developing skills in:

• Silicon photonic device design

  
  
  

• Electromagnetic simulation

  
  
  

• Fiber-to-chip optical coupling

  
  
  

• Optical and electrical testing

  
  
  

• Laboratory automation

  
  
  

• Scientific programming

  
  
  

• Data analysis

  
  
  

• Photonic computing

  
  
  

• Neuromorphic hardware

  
  
  

The Research Assistant will gain practical experience in silicon photonic device design, photonic integrated-circuit testing, optical and electrical measurements, experimental automation, and neuromorphic computing. The role also provides opportunities to strengthen scientific writing, presentation, teamwork, and research problem-solving skills, contribute to publications and conference presentations, and receive mentoring for graduate studies or careers in photonics, semiconductor technology, and artificial-intelligence hardware.

1. CV

   
   
   

2. Statement of interest (1 page)

   
   
   

3. Transcript(s)

   
   
   

4. Two letters of recommendation or referee contacts

   
   
   

For questions regarding the position, please contact [Click to show email].

UAE nationals are encouraged to apply

This position is under the NYUAD Kawader program, for details regarding the program, open dates, specific program requirements, and FAQ's please refer to our NYUAD Kawader webpage:https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/about/careers/postdoctoral-and-research/kawader-research-assistantship-program.html

Kawader is a unique, national capacity-building research fellowship program that allows outstanding graduates to gain experience in a cutting-edge academic research environment. This three-year, individually tailored, intensive program has two distinctive paths designed for (Emirati) graduates considering a graduate degree or a career in research.

For further information or questions regarding the position/program please contact [Click to show email](due to the high volume of emails received, please allow 5 working days for a response)