Scientist, Optical Technologies & Flat Optics ( Institute of Materials Research & Engineering )

Position Overview

The Advanced Optical Technologies Department at IMRE, A*STAR, is seeking a Research Scientist to develop flat-optics and metasurface technologies.

The candidate will work across optical design, simulation, nanofabrication, characterization, data analysis, and system integration for imaging, spectroscopy, sensing, inspection, metrology, and advanced manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Design metalenses, metasurfaces, beam shapers, diffractive optics, and lens arrays.
• Perform optical simulations and tolerance analysis using FDTD, FEM, RCWA, Fourier optics, or ray tracing.
• Develop and optimize lithography, laser writing, deposition, etching, lift-off, and wafer-processing workflows.
• Characterize devices using optical measurements, microscopy, SEM, AFM, profilometry, and spectroscopy.
• Develop automated measurement and data-analysis routines.
• Integrate flat-optical components into prototypes and perform alignment, calibration, troubleshooting, and validation.
• Contribute to publications, patents, reports, proposals, and student supervision.
• Collaborate with internal, academic, and industry partners.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Experience in flat optics, metasurfaces, nanophotonics, optical systems, nanofabrication, or system integration.
• Proficiency in FDTD, Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools.
• Ability to independently plan, execute, and document research.
• Strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work in cleanroom and laser-laboratory environments.

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with Lumerical, COMSOL, CST, Zemax, Code V, or similar software.
• Experience with GDSII layouts, lithography, ICP/RIE, PVD, ALD, or wafer processing.
• Experience in prototype development, automation, industry collaboration, publications, or patents.