Job Description
Job Title:  Scientist for PDA (Photonics), IME
Requisition ID:  2954
Posting Start Date:  30/07/2026

Job Description

We are seeking a Scientist to lead the technical development of a next-generation Photonic Design Automation platform. The role combines algorithm research, high-performance computing, software architecture, AI validation, and technical leadership for photonic integrated circuit design. 

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and deliver core PDA technologies, including DRC, layout processing, rendering, routing, numerical solvers, and design automation algorithms.
  • Optimize computational workloads for multicore CPUs, GPUs, and distributed systems using technologies such as CUDA, MPI, and OpenMP.
  • Define the platform architecture, APIs, data structures, development standards, testing framework, and technical roadmap.
  • Evaluate AI applications such as inverse design, surrogate modelling, solver acceleration, routing, layout generation, and automated design assistance.
  • Convert research prototypes into reliable, scalable, and production-quality software.
  • Lead engineers and external partners, review technical work, manage risks, and ensure delivery quality and performance.
  • Collaborate with photonics researchers, simulation specialists, software engineers, and product stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

  • PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field.
  • Strong research and engineering experience in algorithms, scientific computing, or complex software systems.
  • Expert proficiency in a systems programming language and strong proficiency in Python.
  • Strong foundation in algorithms, computer systems, parallel computing, distributed systems, and software architecture.
  • Advanced experience with at least two HPC technologies, such as CUDA, MPI, OpenMP, GPU programming, SIMD, or distributed computing.
  • Solid knowledge of machine learning frameworks, model development, evaluation, and deployment.
  • Proven technical leadership, problem-solving, communication, and software delivery capabilities.
  • Strong interest in photonics, silicon photonics, or computational design.

Others

 

  • Experience with EDA, CAD, computational geometry, routing, rendering, or scientific simulation software.
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic simulation, numerical solvers, optimization, sparse linear algebra, or distributed computing.
  • Familiarity with photonic design workflows, GDSII/OASIS, PDKs, DRC, netlists, or hierarchical layouts.
  • Experience with cloud platforms, Kubernetes, GPU clusters, or scientific workflow systems.
  • Publications, patents, open-source contributions, or industrial software delivery experience.

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.