Cambridge Residency Programme: Optical Communication Systems Researcher

Build analytical models for end-to-end communication links, capturing both electrical and optical transmission impairments. Design, execute, and analyse laboratory experiments, including real-time measurements using FPGAs and offline processing platforms. Perform eye-diagram analysis, BER measurements, S-parameter characterisation, and optical power measurements. Analyse experimental data, correlate it with simulation results, and drive iterative design improvements to meet performance targets. Develop and apply digital signal processing (DSP) techniques to compensate for transmission impairments, while evaluating trade-offs between performance, complexity, and power consumption. Investigate and assess forward error correction (FEC) schemes and encoding techniques to improve link reliability and efficiency. Understand system-level performance and identify the impact of each project's workstream on overall link behaviour. Collaborate with external suppliers, help defining the component specifications, and follow up on the design, development, and characterisation of components. PhD (or near completion) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Optical Communications, or a related field, with publications in leading optical communications conferences and journals such as OFC, ECOC, and JLT Strong background in optical communication systems, including IMDD and coherent transmission, modulation formats, channel impairments, link budgets, noise analysis, and system-level performance trade-offs. Experience with end-to-end link modelling and simulation using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools. Experience with digital signal processing (DSP) for communication systems, including equalisation, clock recovery, synchronisation, and Forward Error Correction (FEC). Hands-on experience characterizing optical communication systems in the lab, including BER measurements, eye-diagram analysis, oscilloscope-based analysis, and RF measurements, with familiarity in FPGA-based communication systems, real-time testing platforms, and offline data-processing workflows. Experience with optical interconnects, data-centre networking, co-packaged optics, or advanced optical I/O technologies Familiarity with wide and slow light devices such as MicroLED, VCSELs, SiPh, PD or others Experience collaborating with external suppliers, foundries, or industry partners