Industrial PhD in Photonic Integrated Circuits
EDWATEC SA is a high-tech startup founded in 2023 and a spin-off from EPFL. Our proprietary Erbium-doped photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology enables on-chip optical amplification and lasing. By replacing legacy optical amplifiers with our highly compact, high-performance, and scalable photonic integrated amplifiers, we create novel opportunities for various applications, such as optical interconnects for AI datacenters, autonomous driving, optical communication for space, quantum computing, optical metrology and sensing, long-haul communication, and more. We target a wide range of markets with significant economic potential, from data communication and space applications to optical metrology and fiber sensing.
We are looking for a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to join our team through an industrial PhD program in collaboration with EPFL. The candidate will be fully embedded in EDWATEC while being jointly supervised by a professor at EPFL and following the standard doctoral curriculum.
How to apply:
To apply for this exciting opportunity, you must submit your application through
- Conduct cutting-edge research and development on next-generation erbium-doped photonic integrated circuits (PICs)
- Design and simulate advanced photonic devices, including broadband erbium-doped waveguide amplifiers and on-chip lasers
- Explore novel nanofabrication techniques for extended wavelength operation and bandwidth enhancement
- Develop and characterize erbium-doped mode-locked and femtosecond lasers on chip
- Perform nanofabrication work in EPFL cleanroom facilities and contribute to process development
- Design and build experimental setups for optical characterization of PIC devices
- Contribute directly to EDWATEC’s R&D roadmap and customer-driven projects
- Participate in international conferences, workshops, and trade shows, representing the company
Your profile:
- Master’s degree in physics, photonics, or electrical engineering, with an excellent academic track record
- Strong background in electromagnetics, optics, and photonics fundamentals
- Experience or strong interest in photonic integrated circuits, lasers, or nanofabrication
- Familiarity with simulation tools is a plus
- Hands-on mindset with strong problem-solving skills and motivation to work at the interface of research and industry
- Excellent proficiency in English; strong communication and teamwork skills
- Eligibility to enroll in a PhD program at EPFL
We offer:
- A unique opportunity to pursue a fully industry-driven PhD at the forefront of integrated photonics
- Direct involvement in the development of next-generation optical amplification and laser technologies
- Exposure to both academic research and high-impact industrial applications
- A dynamic, international, and highly innovative startup environment
- Access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication facilities at EPFL
- An inspiring workplace in Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva
