PhD in ‘Scalable Neuromorphic Photonic Circuits and Interconnects’ – Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term
The Semiconductor and Photonics Education and Research (SPEAR) Centre, funded by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), is an €8.5 million cross‑border project by Atlantic Technological University, Ulster University, Tyndall National Institute and Seagate Technology. The Centre aims to build research capacity in integrated photonics and semiconductor technologies, contributing to Ireland’s and Northern Ireland’s deep‑tech innovation ecosystem. It seeks to train the next generation of scientists and engineers to support growth in healthcare, telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, and sensor networks. The position is available at Tyndall National Institute in Cork.
Project Description
Emerging neuromorphic photonic systems combine massive parallelism of neural networks with ultra‑high bandwidth and low latency of integrated photonics. These systems promise real‑time signal processing and AI at far lower energy cost than today’s electronic processors. To realise this potential, new system‑level architectures are needed that remain stable and accurate despite fabrication variability, thermal drift, and device ageing.
This PhD project focuses on design and fabrication of neuromorphic photonic circuits that integrate computation and communication on a single platform. The research develops physics‑based models of photonic neurons and interconnect fabrics, using realistic component parameters and co‑simulation with electronic control circuitry.
A key innovation is adaptive calibration and reconfiguration mechanisms that detect performance drift or device faults and dynamically restore correct functionality during operation. The student collaborates with partners in the SPEAR consortium to design runtime monitoring and control algorithms that enhance yield, stability, and resilience of large‑scale neuromorphic photonic systems. The project involves simulation, design, and fabrication leading to final experimental demonstrators in collaboration with the Photonic Systems Group at Tyndall.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and validate compact models for neuromorphic photonic building blocks (microring and MZI weight banks, phase shifters, SOAs, etc.).
* Design WDM‑based photonic interconnects for neuromorphic architectures and assess their energy, latency, and fault tolerance.
* Develop adaptive control and calibration algorithms.
* Perform co‑simulation of photonic and electronic subsystems (e.g. Python, Lumerical/Luceda, or VPI).
* Present research findings at key conferences and publish in high‑impact journals.
* Complete required PhD coursework, participate in group meetings, and contribute to outreach activities.
Essential Criteria
* First or upper second‑class honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in Physics or Electronic Engineering.
* Strong interest in neuromorphic or AI hardware architectures.
* Excellent analytical and programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent).
* Ability to work in a self‑sufficient manner and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
* Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Desirable Criteria
* Masters degree in Physics/Engineering/Photonics.
* Experience with photonic circuit simulation tools (e.g. Lumerical INTERCONNECT, Luceda IPKISS, VPI Photonics, or others).
* Familiarity with mixed‑signal or FPGA‑based control systems.
* Knowledge of machine learning frameworks (e.g. PyTorch or TensorFlow).
* Prior research experience in integrated photonics or neuromorphic systems.
What We Offer
• A fully funded PhD position that includes a stipend of €25,000/year for up to four years and full coverage of academic fees. The successful candidate will be registered as PhD student at University College Cork. Doctoral students are equipped with the highest level of scientific and engineering research skills needed to address challenges in developing new integrated photonic technologies for diverse applications, as well as entrepreneurial, leadership, and teamwork capabilities needed to lead and operate at the highest levels in industry.
• As a student in the SPEAR Centre you will join a vibrant, supportive and engaging cohort of 15 students and will have the chance to travel and attend a bespoke induction programme with students from all three partners, an annual training school and have access to advanced courses in areas such as semiconductor fabrication, packaging and entrepreneurship.
• Preferred start date: As soon as possible. Students must start prior to 1st April 2026 taking into account administrative requirements (UCC approvals and visa where relevant).
Application Instructions
Please attach an up‑to‑date CV/Resume and a brief cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria for this role.
Postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency as per UCC regulations (English proficiency evidence required). Certificates should be valid (usually less than 2 years old) and should be uploaded with their application. In special circumstances the panel may consider a prior degree in English (e.g. Master thesis written in English) as evidence of English language proficiency.
Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.
At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Closing date for application is 17th November 2025.
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