Photonics Engineer

About Axithra 

Axithra is a spin-off from Ghent University and imec, developing a platform to quickly and accurately measure and monitor drug concentrations in blood, paving the way for treatments tailored to the specific needs of each individual, at any given time. The first application is focusing on personalizing beta-lactam antibiotics treatments in the intensive care unit. The company’s platform is based on proprietary optical and photonics technology and will allow physicians to optimize patient care by enabling personalized treatments. 

Your Role 

To reinforce our R&D team in Ghent, Belgium, we are looking for a committed Photonics Engineer for the continuous optimization of the integrated photonics components. Your role in our pioneering therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) solution: 

• Design and simulate silicon photonic components and circuits 

• Maintain and continuously improve Axithra’s process design kit (PDK) for targeted foundry 

• Layout photonic integrate circuits (PIC) designs (in GDS format), tape-out to fabs and follow-up 

• Set up design of experiments (DOE) and characterize PICs 

• Organize and analyse the characterization results to validate performance 

• Conduct yield analyses for design optimization 

• Interface internally and externally for PIC fabrication, assembly, packaging, and testing 

• Contribute to risk analyses and design reviews to ensure the delivered PIC meets the requirements for successful product integration 

• Work within the Axithra quality framework 

• Coach and mentor employees as needed 

• Prepare and write technical reports and other documentation 

Job Requirements 

• A PhD in electronics or photonics, or equivalent industrial experience 

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in silicon photonics, especially in designing, simulating, and characterizing passive optical components (waveguides, splitters, gratings, mux/demux, …) 

• Strong knowledge of photonic simulation and layout software (Lumerical, FIMMWAVE, IPKISS, Synopsys, …) 

• Knowledge of PIC biosensors is a plus 

• Previous experience of PIC-microfluidics integration is a plus 

• You work precisely and accurately and have good organizational skills 

• You are proactive and a problem solver 

• You are a team player and work effectively in a multidisciplinary, multinational team, able to communicate fluently in English 

What’s in it for you? 

You will be part of a fast-paced, innovative startup in constant evolution with the ability to have a genuine impact on the future of the healthcare and diagnostic landscape. You will work in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary, and intellectually stimulating environment, surrounded by dedicated and hands-on colleagues. Our startup sphere offers opportunities for personal growth, and because our employees are the strength of Axithra, you will have direct impact on the company’s objectives. With your proactive, can-do attitude, our highly motivated team will support you to make your job a success. 

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, multi-national, and informal working ecosystem with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We are aware that your valuable contributions make it possible for Axithra to achieve its healthcare ambitions. Your energy and commitment are appreciated by means of a competitive remuneration package in a pleasant and stimulating work environment.