Scientist / Senior scientist -- Integrated Photonics for EUs Quantum Pilot Lines

SINTEF Digital is searching for Scientist / Senior Scientist -- Integrated Photonics for EUs Quantum Pilot Lines

Join our team to develop Micro- and Nano-photonics of the future!

SINTEF Digital, Department of Smart Sensors and Microsystems, is a leading provider of R&D and fabrication services in silicon-based microsystems, including device design, process development, prototyping and small-scale production for around 30-40 customers annually. We have for example delivered 300’000+ altimeter pressure sensors for the aviation industry (integrated in half of Europe’s commercial fleet), more than 180’000 radiation detectors for scientific and medical instrumentation (including detectors for CERN since the 90’s), and more than 250’000 IR sources for infrared spectroscopy.

We are a highly innovative environment with strong focus on bringing technology from the concept stage to the market in close cooperation with industry and research institutions across the world, as well as through commercialization of own technology via licensing and spin-offs. Examples of the latter include the companies poLight (tunable lens), Tunable (multigas analysis), SensiBel (optical microphone) and Sonair (ultrasound imaging in air). We are now looking for a Scientist/Senior Scientist within Integrated Photonics to support our work in upcoming EUs Quantum Pilot Lines.

The Micro Optics group has been an innovator in sensor applications relying on silicon MEMS and Electro-Optical modulation in combination with diffractive optics, metasurfaces and photonic integrated circuits (PIC). The group now wishes to harness this competence towards the important research field of Quantum Technologies. In this regard SINTEF will take part in intensive development of integrated photonics platform for quantum applications through inclusion in one of Europe’s six upcoming Quantum Pilot Lines. These play a central role in the EUs Quantum Europe Strategy, aiming to establish Europe as a global leader in quantum by 2030. Consequently, we are now searching for talented candidates with strong experience and interest in expanding our capabilities towards quantum applications of industrial and societal significance. It is an advantage to have competence within the underlying physics of quantum implementations (such as trapped ions, neutral atoms, and photons), experience in integrated photonics, and/or cleanroom processing experience for silicon-based devices.

As a researcher in SINTEF you will get to interact with forefront research and industrial photonics communities across Europe. The Micro Optics Group has a strong publication record within Micro-Optical-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MOEMS), particularly through its ongoing partnership with the University of Southern Denmark. As an example of our work, we have recently combined innovative metasurfaces and MEMS to create Ångström-tunable polarization-resolved solid-state photon sources. Nature Photonics. 2025 Jun 20:1-8. We are now interested in applying our MEMS competence towards integrated photonics, working with modulator platforms such as MEMS (PZT, AlN) and Electro Optic effect (AlN). Additionally, we provide the material platform AlOx for low-loss PIC in the blue and UV range.

The Micro Optics Group continuously works to expand our R&D activities and has an ambition to grow further. We are therefore looking for someone with strong ambitions and capabilities to take on a leading role in further development of our project portfolio. You should be dedicated and self-motivated, proactive and creative. You will be expected to continuously contribute to project idea development, establishment of new collaborations with both technological and academic partners, and to write proposals for R&D projects to various funding agencies such as e.g. EU and the Research Council of Norway. It is recommended that you outline experience you have of particular relevance to this in your application letter.

You will be part of a project team responsible for delivering high quality R&D work to industrial customers and/or academic R&D partners. You will contribute in technical work involving concept development, MEMS/sensor design, process development, follow-up of component fabrication in the cleanroom, as well as characterization and testing. We are looking for candidates with qualifications matching several of the following requirements:

• PhD in quantum photonics and/or photonics (e.g. photonic integrated circuits, metasurfaces, nanophotonics, SERS), electromagnetism, nanotechnology, physics, or related discipline, with a strong academic record (excellent grades and/or strong publication record).
• MSc with excellent academic record in relevant disciplines and interest in taking a PhD, will also be considered.
• Hands-on experience in simulation, design and characterization of PIC building blocks.
• Experience in developing process design kits (PDKs) for PIC building blocks, photodiodes and related components).
• Hands-on experience in cleanroom processing and use of advanced characterization tools (spectrometers, thin film optics, optical characterization techniques such as FTIR, ellipsometry, white light interferometry,etc) is considered advantageous.
• Highly motivated to take on a leading role in further development of our project portfolio. This involves continuous networking, dialogue with industry, concept development, and proposal writing for R&D projects to various funding agencies such as e.g. EU and the Research Council of Norway.
• A wide academic and industrial network that allows for bringing in collaborations, particularly within photonics applications towards quantum technologies and neural networks.
• Experienced in setting up optical systems (e.g. laser interferometry, lens characterization, micromirrors) and use of programming (Labview, matlab, Python).
• Experience and competence in sensor design.
• Experience with simulation techniques such as FDTD, RCWA, PWE, etc.
• Extensive scientific and industrial network, and good understanding of industry needs and markets.

SINTEF is a high-performance workplace that places high standards on the conducted work. In addition to technical-scientific competence, we are seeking candidates with skills like:

• Team player
• High focus on quality
• Ability to take initiative and to generate new ideas and to realize them.
• Ability to see the potential in technological development to develop novel components or concepts
• Ability to interact and work in close cooperation with customers
• Good communication skills in both English and Norwegian/a Scandinavian language (highly appreciated but not compulsory)

We offer:

• A position in one of Europe's leading research institutions, with considerable impact on society. Notably, the possibility of contributing to EUs Quantum Europe Strategy.
• The opportunity to develop yourself professionally and personally in a recognized and competent research environment.
• A supportive and innovative work environment.
• A dynamic and flexible working day.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including company pension- and insurance, flexible working hours, and competitive salary.

At SINTEF, we value diversity and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply to our available positions. To contribute to greater gender balance in STEM research fields, we particularly encourage women to apply for this position

**What you need to do:**Submit your CV, cover letter and transcript of grades.