Scientist / Senior scientist – Micro and Nano Photonics

Join our team to develop Micro- and Nano-Photonics of the future!

SINTEF Digital, Department of Smart Sensors and Microsystems, is a leading provider of R&D and fabrication services in silicon-based microsystems, including feasibility studies, device design, process development, process integration, process and device simulation, prototyping and small-scale production for around 40+ customers annually. We have delivered 300’000+ altimeter pressure sensors for the aviation industry, more than 180’000 radiation detectors for scientific and medical instrumentation (including detectors for CERN since the 90’s), and more than 250’000 IR sources for infrared spectroscopy.

We are a highly innovative environment with strong a focus on bringing technology from the concept stage to the market in close cooperation with industry and research institutions across the world, as well as through commercialization of own technology via licensing and spin-offs. Examples of the latter include the companies poLight (tunable lens), Tunable (multigas analysis), SensiBel (optical microphone) and Sonair (ultrasound imaging in air).

We are now looking for a Scientist/Senior Scientist within Micro Optics and Nano-Photonics. The Micro Optics group focuses on innovative sensor applications relying on silicon MEMS and Electro-Optical modulation in combination with diffractive optics, metasurfaces and photonic integrated circuits (PIC). In addition to several successful spin-off commercializations, the Micro Optics Group also currently has a strong publication record within Micro-Optical-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MOEMS). We are looking for candidates with experience and interest within these areas and are particularly interested in expanding our capabilities towards applications within quantum technologies and PIC neural networks.

The Micro Optics Group continuously works to expand our R&D activities and has an ambition to grow. For this position we are therefore particularly looking for someone with strong ambitions and capabilities to take on a leading role in further development of our project portfolio. You should be dedicated and self-motivated, proactive and creative. You will be expected to continuously contribute to project idea development, establishment of new collaborations with both technological and academic partners, and to write proposals for R&D projects to various funding agencies such as e.g. EU and the Research Council of Norway. It is recommended that you outline experience you have of particular relevance to this in your application letter.

You will be part of a project team responsible for delivering high quality R&D work to industrial customers and/or academic R&D partners. You will contribute in technical work involving concept development, MEMS/sensor design, process development, follow-up of component fabrication in the cleanroom, as well as characterization and testing.

We are looking for candidates with qualifications matching several of the following requirements: 

• PhD in photonics (e.g. photonic integrated circuits, metasurfaces, nanophotonics, SERS), electromagnetism, nanotechnology, physics, or related discipline, with a strong academic record (excellent grades and/or strong publication record)
• Highly motivated to take on a leading role in further development of our project portfolio. This involves continuous networking, dialogue with industry, concept development, and proposal writing for R&D projects to various funding agencies such as e.g. EU and the Research Council of Norway
• A wide academic and industrial network that allows for bringing in collaborations, particularly within photonics applications towards quantum technologies and neural networks
• Experienced in setting up optical systems (e.g. laser interferometry, lens characterization, micromirrors) and use of programming (Labview, matlab)
• Experience and competence in sensor design
• Experience with simulation techniques such as FDTD, RCWA, PWE, etc
• Hands-on experience in cleanroom processing and use of advanced characterization tools (spectrometers, thin film optics, optical characterization techniques such as FTIR, ellipsometry, white light interferomtery, etc) is considered advantageous
• Extensive scientific and industrial network, and good understanding of industry needs and markets

SINTEF is a high-performance workplace that places high standards on the conducted work. In addition to technical-scientific competence, we are seeking candidates with skills like: 

• Team player 
• High focus on quality 
• Ability to take initiative and to generate new ideas and to realize them
• Ability to see the potential in technological development to develop novel components or concepts 
• Ability to interact and work in close cooperation with customers 
• Strong communication skills in English (proficiency in Scandinavian languages is an advantage but not compulsory)

We offer:

• A position in one of Europe's leading research institutions, with considerable impact on society
• The opportunity to develop yourself professionally and personally in a recognized and competent research environment
• A supportive and innovative work environment
• A dynamic and flexible working day
• Comprehensive benefits package, including company pension- and insurance, flexible working hours, and competitive salary