Postdoctoral Researcher in Photonic Systems for Next-Generation Optical Access Networks

Postdoctoral Researcher in Photonic Systems for Next Generation Optical Access Networks

Tyndall National Institute is a research institute focused on photonics, semiconductors, and deep tech research. It supports innovation in optical communications and next generation network technologies.

About the Team

The Photonic Systems Group conducts experimental and system level research in optical communications, photonic systems, and emerging network technologies. The team provides access to advanced laboratory infrastructure and collaboration with academic and industrial partners.

About the Role

This role is suited for a researcher with experience in optical communications, passive optical networks, and experimental physical layer investigation. The successful candidate will conduct high speed optical access transmission research, focusing on burst mode behaviour, transmitter and receiver performance, optical impairments, fibre reach, and validation under realistic network conditions.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Carry out experimental research on the physical layer of next generation optical access systems.
• Design and execute optical transmission experiments to characterise transmitter and receiver behaviour and investigate impairments.
• Analyse measurement data and produce technical reports, publications, research outputs, and input to future funding proposals.
• Contribute to the supervision and day to day guidance of student projects where appropriate.
• Contribute to future research proposals in higher capacity optical access systems, including pathways beyond current 25G class implementations.
• Work closely with academic and industrial collaborators within a broader photonic systems research environment.
• Participate in education and public engagement activities.
• Ensure compliance with quality management systems, health and safety standards, and other regulations.
• Carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• PhD in Photonics, Optical Communications, Electronic Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong background in optical communications and experimental photonic systems.
• Experience with physical layer characterisation of optical links or subsystems.
• Good knowledge of receiver sensitivity, bit error rate/FEC performance, optical power budget, dynamic range, modulation quality, and transmission impairments.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and with Python or MATLAB for data analysis, measurement control, or post processing.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in passive optical networks or fibre access systems.
• Familiarity with burst mode transmission or burst mode receiver challenges.
• Experience in IM/DD transmission, multilevel modulation, or coherent optical systems.
• Track record of high quality publications in optical communications or photonic systems.
• Evidence of entrepreneurial experience and creative skills.

What We Offer

• Impactful work: opportunities to contribute to ground breaking research and innovation.
• Continuous learning: strong support for formal training, further study, and professional development.
• Interdisciplinary environment: collaboration with academia, industry, and innovation supported by cutting edge infrastructure.
• Blended working: flexibility to work remotely and on site where the role allows.
• Comprehensive benefits: access to UCC pension, long term illness benefit, life assurance, and more.
• Generous leave: competitive annual leave entitlements.
• Equity & inclusion: Athena Swan Bronze award holder, with initiatives to ensure equity for all.
• Core values: ambition, collaboration, diversity, excellence, and integrity.
• Entrepreneurial spirit: a proactive, innovation driven environment welcoming entrepreneurial and creative thinkers.
• Supportive onboarding: structured induction and mentoring to help new hires integrate and thrive.
• Vibrant culture: a collaborative, people first workplace with a strong sense of community.

Terms of Employment

Contract category: Full time. Contract type: Fixed term. Contract duration: 1 year. Appointment may be made on the IUA Scale for Post Doctoral Researcher (new entrants) salary €46,805 €53,391 per annum, in accordance with the public sector pay policy.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.