Path 1 Kawader Research Assistant – Silicon Photonic Hardware for Neuromorphic Computing

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.

What the Program Offers

• 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Supervision

Supervised by Dr. Mahmoud Rasras

• Bachelors 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.

Preferred

• 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.

Specialized Technical Laboratory Computational or Research Competencies

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

Learning Outcomes and Professional Development

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.