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Research Associate: Integrated Photonics for Space Astronomy National Research Council Canada in Canada
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Electrical Engineering
Funding
3-year Research Associate term at AsRO Level with salary range CAD $83,985–$116,641 per annum; federal public service benefits including healthcare, dental, leave, and annual end-of-year shutdown periods.
Country
Canada
University
National Research Council Canada
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About this position
This Research Associate position at the National Research Council Canada focuses on integrated photonics for space astronomy, with a particular emphasis on the TESERACT mission, a 6U astrophotonic CubeSat designed to perform chip-scale spectroscopy for solar system targets. The role is centered on advancing a photonic integrated circuit subsystem that can shrink complex space-observatory functionality onto a chip.
The successful candidate will work on the design, layout, fabrication, and testing of silicon nitride photonic devices intended for operation in space. The project spans active and passive integrated optical components across the visible and near-infrared, including sub-wavelength structures, spectral demultiplexers, active filters, and low-power tunable circuits. The position combines simulation, device architecture, fabrication interfacing, and laboratory characterization in a research-and-development setting.
The work is embedded in NRC’s Quantum and Nanotechnologies and Herzberg Astronomy & Astrophysics environment in Ottawa, with access to in-house nanofabrication and optical characterization facilities. The role also involves collaboration with external foundries and international partners, and it supports a mission that is framed as a technology demonstrator for future space observatories. The project links photonics, astronomy, and space hardware development in a highly applied research context.
The successful applicant will join a team working at the intersection of fundamental optics and applied space instrumentation, contributing directly to a system intended to fly and validate astrophotonic technology in space.
Funding details
3-year Research Associate term at AsRO Level with salary range CAD $83,985–$116,641 per annum; federal public service benefits including healthcare, dental, leave, and annual end-of-year shutdown periods.
What's required
A Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field, obtained within the last 5 years or expected within the next 6 months. Applicants should have demonstrated experience with electromagnetic simulation tools such as FDTD, EME, and FEM, wave-optics modeling, direct experience with mask design, GDSII layout tools, and PIC tape-out workflows, hands-on optical characterization, laser alignment, and device testing. The role also requires the ability to obtain a Canadian Government Reliability Status security clearance and to travel nationally and internationally. Cleanroom fabrication experience, inverse design or machine learning for photonics, and experience with thermo-optic, electro-optic, or MEMS-based tuning are considered assets.
How to apply
Apply through the NRC job posting linked in the advert. Use the application page provided and follow any instructions on the NRC recruitment portal. The advert also points to the CASCA post and the NRC job details page for application access.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.