PRR Project

Summary

The Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP) at the Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC) seeks dynamic individuals passionate about advancing their research career. The tenure-track Assistant Researcher role requires a Ph.D. in Physics/Physics Engineering, with expertise in optics and optoelectronics applied to optical sensing devices and systems. The imperative to recruit a researcher with such specialization stems from INESC TEC photonics legacy and the recognition of the growing impact and applicability of photonic sensors as perception tools required to enable complex systems.The ideal candidate is expected to foster collaboration and synergies between CAP and other Centers of INESC TEC (eg. Robotics, Biomedical Engineering, and Telecommunications), playing a pivotal role on the multidisciplinary collaboration within the several areas of research within CAP, and to establish solid collaboration in the National and International research ecosystems, in the pursuit of high-level research projects and funding.The selected candidate should be capable of supporting advanced training activities related to the supervision of MSc and PhD students.The mission of INESC TEC is to promote scientific and technological research, advanced training, and technology transfer, aiming to foster innovation and contribute to the economic, social, and cultural development of society. Its Centre for Applied Photonics pursuits these goals by developing new photonic sensor technology which contribute for a smarter, sustainable, and more efficient operation of complex systems such as the human body, the environment, or critical infrastructures.With this tenure position, INESC is seeking to consolidate its Optical Sensors team with a researcher having advanced skills in the development of optical devices and systems, particularly focusing on optical fiber and guided wave optics platforms and including ability to design new sensors elements exploring different microfabrication technologies, having experience in fast prototyping and instrumentation and control of sensors systems.The selected member should have an active role in the strategic development of optical sensor area at CAP, exploring new technological venues which will push forward the state of the art, and establishing the necessary partnerships and actively seeking competitive funding at the highest level, to support and develop his research. The active supervision of MSc and PhD thesis in the graduate programs, and the training of new young researchers in general is also of particular importance.The relevance of the INESC TEC (CAP) in the development of Photonics in Portugal in the last 40 years is significant and undeniable. Starting with a fiber optic communication project (1985), driving progress in fiber lasers, integrated optical microstructures, and fiber sensing, which accelerated optical fiber adoption in Portugal. This activity led to the establishment of an internationally renowned research group at INESC TEC (CAP) from which several spin offs have arisen through the years (MultiWave Photonics, Fibersensing, iLoF), effectively materializing its impact on society. Keeping this momentum requires a strategic consolidation on the development of photonics at INESC TEC.This dynamic implies the need to be at the frontier of knowledge in its areas of intervention, which justifies the design and implementation of an action plan at the level of advanced photonics for sensors devices and systems.It is expected that this new member of CAP will be fully engaged in research activities in applied photonics pursuing an international career that strengths the synergy between the Center of Applied Photonics, other Centres of INESC TEC.The selected candidate should have the following skills:• In-depth knowledge of the conceptual basis of optics.• Experience in optoelectronics, instrumentation, and prototyping.• Experience in design, and fabrication of advanced photonic sensors, exploring optical fibers and waveguides, interferometry, plasmonics, spectroscopy, and other mechanisms to implement advanced sensors for physical, chemical, and biological parameters.• Leadership characteristics and the ability to plan novel R&D activities.• Capacity to motivate and engage young researchers in modern complex science and technology, with innovative methodologies.