New York University

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

New York University  •  Abu Dhabi, AE (Onsite)  •  1 day ago
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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.

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

Qualifications

Required

  • 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.

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.

Application Instructions

  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 nyuad.kawader@nyu.edu

Additional Program Information

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 nyuad.kawader@nyu.edu(due to the high volume of emails received, please allow 5 working days for a response)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

For people in the EU, click here for information on your privacy rights under GDPR: www.nyu.edu/it/gdpr

NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. All interested persons are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

Sustainability Statement

NYU aims to be among the greenest urban campuses in the country and carbon neutral by 2040. Learn more at nyu.edu/sustainability

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