Project Officer (Multi-Channel Single Photon Detector and Readout)

Join Our Team at Centre for Disruptive Photonic Technologies, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

A Project Officer position is currently available at the Centre for Disruptive Photonic Technologies (CDPT), School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.

The Project Officer will support the development of single-photon imaging and LiDAR systems based on superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs). The role will focus on multi-channel and multi-array SNSPD measurements, readout circuitry, noise and signal-to-noise ratio improvement, amplifier and filtering development, and laboratory testing of SNSPD detector setups for imaging and LiDAR applications. The Project Officer will contribute to the development and improvement of SNSPD-based experimental platforms by supporting detector signal acquisition, multi-channel readout, grounding and shielding optimization, noise characterization, cryogenic/room-temperature readout testing, amplifier-chain evaluation, PCB-level assembly/testing, and data analysis. The role will also involve assisting senior researchers with detector mounting, wire bonding, cryostat-compatible interconnects, system benchmarking, and, where required, basic SNSPD fabrication or device-processing tasks under supervision.

As an integral part of the project, the Project Officer is expected to support the development, operation and improvement of multi-channel and multi-array SNSPD measurement setups, including detector signal acquisition, biasing/readout chains, channel-by-channel testing, timing extraction, count-rate measurements, pulse analysis, room-temperature and cryostat-based measurements, and system-level troubleshooting. The role includes supporting the scaling of measurement software/code to handle multiple channels and hardware components.

The Project Officer will also support improvement of SNSPD readout noise performance and signal-to-noise ratio, including RF shielding, grounding configuration studies, noise-source identification, analysis of SNSPD pulses, characterization of low-frequency and high-frequency noise, evaluation of open/closed shielding configurations, thermal/noise effects, and testing of filtering strategies to reduce dark counts and readout artefacts. The role further includes supporting amplifier, filter and readout-circuit development, as well as SNSPD device integration and basic fabrication/process tasks under supervision.

The Project Officer will assist with optical, cryogenic and optoelectronic setup operation and maintenance, including lasers, photodiodes, SNSPD mounting, wire bonding, cryostat wiring/interconnects, cryostat-compatible PCB/connectors, timing instruments, oscilloscopes, VNA, power supplies, microscope/imaging subsystems and LiDAR-related measurement equipment. The Project Officer will also perform data analysis, simulation and documentation using Python, Matlab or relevant tools; prepare measurement summaries, technical reports, experimental logs and figures for internal project review and publications; participate in joint research with CDPT partners; operate and maintain research laboratories in compliance with safety protocols; and contribute to progress reports, project meetings and day-to-day support of researchers, project officers, students and collaborators working on the project.

Key Responsibilities:

The Project Officer will be required to:

• Support the development, operation and improvement of multi-channel and multi-array SNSPD measurement setups, including detector signal acquisition, biasing/readout chains, channel-by-channel testing, timing extraction, count-rate measurements, pulse analysis, room-temperature and cryostat-based measurements, and system-level troubleshooting. This includes supporting the scaling of measurement software/code to handle multiple channels and hardware components.

• Improve SNSPD readout noise performance and signal-to-noise ratio, including RF shielding, grounding configuration studies, noise-source identification, analysis of SNSPD pulses, characterization of low-frequency and high-frequency noise, evaluation of open/closed shielding configurations, thermal/noise effects, and testing of filtering strategies to reduce dark counts and readout artefacts.

• Support amplifier, filter and readout-circuit development.

• Support SNSPD device integration and basic fabrication/process tasks under supervision.

• Assist with optical, cryogenic and optoelectronic setup operation and maintenance, including lasers, photodiodes, SNSPD mounting, wire bonding, cryostat wiring/interconnects, cryostat-compatible PCB/connectors, timing instruments, oscilloscopes, VNA, power supplies, microscope/imaging subsystems and LiDAR-related measurement equipment.

• Perform data analysis, simulation and documentation using Python, Matlab or relevant tools; preparing measurement summaries, technical reports, experimental logs and figures for internal project review and publications.

• Participate in joint research with other CDPT partners and cooperating parties and to support CDPT projects requiring fabrication, assembling and testing of the devices.

• Operating and maintaining research laboratories in compliance with safety and laboratory protocols, including assisting with equipment inventory, setup documentation and routine laboratory organization.

• Contributing to progress reports, project meetings, research discussions, and day-to-day support of researchers, project officers, students and collaborators working on the project.

Job Requirements:

• Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Optical/Photonics Engineering, or closely related disciplines.

• Applicants must have relevant hands-on experience in electronics, instrumentation, embedded systems, PCB-level testing, data acquisition, signal processing, RF/electronic measurement, or detector readout.

• Applicants should have competence in programming and/or hardware description languages, preferably Python, Verilog, C, Matlab, TCL or related tools.

• Applicants preferably should have experience with amplifier circuits, RF measurements, VNA/oscilloscope testing, ADC/DAC interfaces, serial communication protocols, digital signal processing, control loops, grounding/shielding, power-supply noise analysis, or low-noise electronic measurement.

• Applicants preferably should have exposure to optical, laser, photodiode, fiber-optic, imaging, LiDAR, or optoelectronic systems.

• Experience with FPGA platforms, Vivado/Vitis, KiCad/Altium, LTspice, Keysight ADS, optical simulation tools or laboratory test equipment will be advantageous.

• Prior experience with SNSPDs, cryogenic measurements, wire bonding, optical alignment, nanofabrication or cleanroom processes is not required, but willingness to learn and support these activities under supervision is expected.

• Applicants should show strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work both independently and within a collaborative research team.

NTU seeks a diverse and inclusive workforce and is committed to equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all and recruit on the basis of merit, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, marital status and family responsibilities, or disability.

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NTU