Research Associate: Integrated Photonics for Space Astronomy
NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL CANADA • CAREER OPPORTUNITYResearch Associate: Integrated Photonics for Space Astronomy |
Location: | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Full-Time On-Site) |
Organization: | National Research Council Canada (NRC) – Quantum and Nanotechnologies / Herzberg Astronomy & Astrophysics |
Salary Range: | $83,985 – $116,641 CAD per annum (AsRO Level) |
Term: | 3-Year Term (Research Associate Program) |
The Mission: Shrink a Space Observatory onto a Chip
Space science is undergoing a fundamental shift away from massive, heavy optical setups toward ultra-compact, high-performance integrated photonics. The National Research Council Canada (NRC) is seeking an early-career scientist or engineer to lead the Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) sub-system for TESERACT (Twin Earth SEnsoR Astrophotonic CubeSat)—a 6U space mission targeted for a launch rideshare.TESERACT will orbit Earth to perform chip-scale spectroscopy on solar system targets including Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Titan, and the Moon. More importantly, it serves as a critical technology demonstrator—de-risking astrophotonic platforms for future space observatories like NASA’s Habitable Worlds Telescope, designed to scan exoplanets for atmospheric biosignatures. |
Your Role & Impact
As the PIC Sub-System Lead, you won't just simulate theoretical optics; you will design, lay out, fabricate, and test silicon nitride (Si3N4) photonic devices that fly in space.
Key Responsibilities:
· Design & Optimization: Model active and passive integrated optic devices across visible and near-infrared (VIS/NIR) spectrums.
· Architecture & Layout: Create sub-wavelength components, spatial/spectral demultiplexers, active spectral filters, and low-power tunable circuits using toolchains like gdsfactory, Nazca, gdspy, Luceda, or KLayout.
· Electromagnetic Simulation: Run high-precision FDTD, EME, and FEM simulations using tools like Lumerical, Tidy3D, or Meep.
· Foundry Execution: Interface with NRC’s internal nanofabrication foundry, Applied Nanotools, and premier international foundries (LioniX, AMF, IMEC, AIM Photonics).
· Hands-On Characterization: Bench-test active waveguides, characterize insertion loss/spectral tuning, and support fiber-optic coupling and chip packaging for spaceflight.
· Global Collaboration: Work alongside world-class astronomers, aerospace engineers, and university partners (including the University of Toronto and Queen's University Belfast), with opportunities for international travel.
Who You Are
You are an early-career researcher who loves bridging fundamental physics with applied engineering, eager to see your photonic designs leave Earth's atmosphere.
Essential Qualifications (Screening Criteria):
· Education: A Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field—obtained within the last 5 years or expected within the next 6 months.
· Simulation & Modeling Expertise: Demonstrated experience with electromagnetic simulation tools (FDTD, EME, FEM) and wave-optics modeling.
· Layout Experience: Direct experience with mask design, GDSII layout tools, and PIC tape-out workflows.
· Laboratory Proficiency: Hands-on experience with optical characterization, laser alignment, and device testing.
· Clearance & Mobility: Ability to obtain a Canadian Government Reliability Status security clearance and travel nationally/internationally.
Asset Skills (Bonus Points):
· Cleanroom Fabrication: Experience with cleanroom processes and nanofabrication (Si3N4 deposition, e-beam lithography, dry/wet etching).
· Advanced Optimization: Knowledge of inverse design and machine learning algorithms for photonics (topology optimization, adjoint methods).
· Active Devices: Experience with thermo-optic, electro-optic, or MEMS-based active tuning mechanisms.
Why Join the NRC?
· Person-Based Career System: The NRC Research Associate (RA) Program evaluates you on your scientific output and innovation rather than rigid role classifications.
· In-House Facilities: Direct access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication cleanrooms and optical characterization labs in Ottawa.
· Comprehensive Benefits: Federal public service healthcare, dental plans, generous leave, and annual end-of-year shutdown periods.
National Research Council Canada | Conseil national de recherches Canada
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