Are you interested in photonics integration and looking for a new job opportunity in the field? Would you like to develop innovative technology with superb colleagues who are top experts in their field? Do you want to work at the interface of academy and industry using state-of-the-art research facilities? VTT might be just the place for you.
VTT is one of the leading applied research organisations in Europe. What unites us are curiosity, a passion for learning and a purpose: to solve the biggest challenges of our time and turn them into sustainable growth and well-being. Our cross-disciplinary community of over 2300 brilliant minds is focused on creating impact through science-based innovation. Get to know us further by exploring VTT's tech & infra.
We are now looking for a Research Scientist to join our Silicon photonics team
As a Research Scientist, you will mainly contribute to the design and testing of components, circuits and systems that are based on optical waveguides integrated on small silicon chips. Those chips are fabricated by your colleagues in our own clean room facility in Espoo. In this position, you will have an essential role in developing our photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology further to meet various scientific, technological and industrial needs. The designed PICs will include components like waveguides, total internal reflection mirrors, wavelength filters, modulators and photodetectors, and they will be hybrid-integrated with other materials and components to form more functional modules and systems, such as tunable external cavity lasers.
Our Silicon Photonics team is one of the global pioneers in the development of PIC technology. We mainly focus on PICs that are based on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) or silicon nitride waveguides. Our 3 µm thick SOI waveguides allow to make low-loss PICs for an extremely wide range of infrared wavelengths (1.2 - 4 µm), while the SiN waveguides extend the feasible wavelength range to visible wavelengths. Our PIC technology can be used in many different applications, such as optical communication, computing, sensing and imaging. It is also linked to artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. We believe that PIC technology plays a key role in solving many global challenges (climate change, healthcare, power-efficient digitalization etc.), while also offering good business opportunities.
Read more about our research: Launch of the PIXEurope pilot line for PIC technology
As a Research Scientist, you will:
- Design and simulate photonic components, circuits and systems using both in-house and commercial software tools (GDSFactory, Lumerical, FimmPROP, COMSOL, Matlab etc.)
- Contribute to the development of process design kits (PDKs) for our PIC technologies
- Test photonic chips in our photonics measurement laboratory using both manual and semi-automated test setups
- Design and build new or modified test setups to meet emerging testing requirements
- Contribute to the development and use of wafer-level testing setups to enable further automation in PIC testing
- Disseminate the results via scientific publications and presentations
- With the help of VTT and our university partners, you can consider to convert the results of your research results into a doctoral dissertation (unless you already have one).
Who we are looking for:
- At least Master's degree in physics, photonics, electrical engineering or related field with dedicated courses in photonics (preferably covering theory, technology and applications)
- At least basic understanding about the theory and technology of optical waveguides, optical single-mode fibers, lasers, lenses and photodetectors
- At least basic theoretical understanding of concepts like light polarization, optical spectroscopy, total internal reflection and Fourier transformations
- Proficient in programming with python
- Proficient in oral and written communication in English
- Preferably (not mandatory) some hands-on experience from making optical measurements with lasers, polarizers, lenses, optical fibers and/or photonic chips
As a person, we hope that you are:
- A fast learner who is capable of working in a flexible and independent manner, and collaborating with colleagues across different fields of science and technology. We appreciate curiosity, passion as well as the ability to take the long-term perspective and find beyond-the-obvious solutions.
- Able to work well in a multicultural team with English as the primary language at work.
With VTT, you’ll enjoy: / What we offer you:
- Visionary work in technology. We offer positions at the cutting-edge of technology and engineering from next generation microelectronics and quantum technology to automation and robotics, energy systems and more. Our research agenda is dedicated to creating sustainable growth by solving systemic and technological challenges, so your work will go towards creating real, positive impact. Read more about our strategy – the path of exponential hope.
- Fascinating projects, excellent research environment. Our researchers get to work on a combination of cutting-edge academic research and applied customer projects, both locally and internationally. At VTT, you’ll have state-of-the-art research facilities at your disposal, such as Micronova, the Finnish research infrastructure for micro-, nano- and quantum technologies.
- Great career opportunities, superb colleagues. At VTT, excellence in research is a strategic priority. We offer long-term positions and stable career paths in top-level research. People tend to stay with us over 10 years since there are always new roles and responsibilities to grow into. Collaborating in a cross-disciplinary community with superb colleagues is a source of learning, inspiration, and fun. Read more about our organisational culture as the builder of the world's most meaningful place to work.
- Support for your well-being. Our people are our main asset, so we take good care of them. We aim to nurture great team spirit and leadership and offer versatile well-being services to enable a good work–life balance. On top of annual 6 weeks of paid holidays (after one year), we offer exercise and culture benefits, hobby clubs, and voluntary well-being services such as meditation programmes and trainings on cognitive ergonomics.
Apply now and join our community of brilliant minds!
Please send your CV and application with your salary request via our recruitment system as soon as possible but at the latest by 15th August 2025
Interested and want to hear more?
For further information, please contact Research Team Leader Timo Aalto, [email protected], +358-40-8485037 on 11th July 2-4 PM or 12th August 2-4 PM.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Apply between 1 July 2025 and 15 August 2025 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)
Employment type: full-time, permanent
VTT
VTT is a visionary research, development and innovation partner. We drive sustainable growth and tackle the biggest global challenges of our time and turn them into growth opportunities. We go beyond the obvious to help the society and companies to grow through technological innovations. We have 80 years of experience in cutting-edge research and science-based results. VTT is at the sweet spot where innovation and business come together.
VTT – beyond the obvious.
