PhD in ‘Scalable Neuromorphic Photonic Circuits and Interconnects’

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 their associate partner Seagate Technology. The Centre aims to build research capacity in integrated photonics and semiconductor technologies, contributing to the development of 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 sectors such as healthcare, telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, and sensor networks. The position is available at Tyndall National Institute in Cork.

Project Description
Emerging neuromorphic photonic systems aim to combine the massive parallelism of neural networks with the ultra-high bandwidth and low latency of integrated photonics. By performing computation and information transfer directly in the optical domain, these systems have the potential to deliver real-time signal processing and artificial intelligence 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 will focus on the design and fabrication of neuromorphic photonic circuits that integrate computation and communication on a single platform. The research will develop physics-based models of photonic neurons and interconnect fabrics, using realistic component parameters and co-simulation with electronic control circuitry.

A key innovation is the development of adaptive calibration and reconfiguration mechanisms that allow photonic networks to detect performance drift or device faults and dynamically restore correct functionality during operation. The student will collaborate with partners in the SPEAR consortium to design runtime monitoring and control algorithms that enhance the yield, stability, and resilience of large-scale neuromorphic photonic systems.
This project will involve simulation, design and fabrication leading to final experimental demonstrators in collaboration with team members within 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. using 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 going to be equipped with the highest level of scientific and engineering research skills needed to address the challenges of developing new integrated photonic technologies for diverse applications, as well as with the 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. In any event, the student must start prior to 1st April 2026 taking into account any administrative requirements (e.g University approvals and visa where relevant).

Any queries concerning this PhD position can be sent to Cleitus Antony .
Closing date for application is 17th November 2025.

Application Instructions
Please make sure to 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 (https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/). 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.