Positions
Our group is looking for interested applicants at all levels, from internships and PhD students to postdocs and research scientists.
Send you applications and questions with your CV to inquire further using the email below:
Email: mhafezilabs [at] gmail.com
PhD Positions
PhD — Programmable Integrated Photonics for Optical Computing
We are seeking PhD students to develop programmable photonic integrated circuits for next-generation optical computing and AI acceleration. The project spans device and circuit design, on-chip reconfigurability, and demonstration of photonic processors for both linear and nonlinear computation. A background in photonics, electrical engineering, or applied physics is desired.
PhD — Ultrafast Electro-Optics and High-Speed Modulation
This project focuses on ultrafast electro-optic devices for high-bandwidth optical signal processing and computing. Work includes the design and characterization of high-speed modulators, RF–photonic co-design, and integration into programmable photonic platforms. Ideal for students interested in the interface of ultrafast optics, microwave engineering, and integrated photonics.
PhD — Inverse Design and Optimization of Photonic Circuits
We are looking for PhD students to develop computational methods for the design and optimization of integrated photonic systems. The work combines physics-based modeling, inverse design, and machine-learning-driven optimization to train and tune large-scale programmable photonic circuits. A strong numerical and programming background is preferred.
Postdoctoral Positions
Postdoctoral Researcher — Programmable Nonlinear Photonic Engines
We invite applications for a postdoc developing programmable nonlinear photonic kernels for optical AI compute. Responsibilities include experimental demonstration, system architecture, and integration of nonlinear photonic elements into reconfigurable processors. Candidates should hold a PhD in photonics, physics, or a related field with hands-on experimental experience.
Postdoctoral Researcher — Integrated Photonic Chip Design and Layout
This position covers full-stack design of integrated photonic chips, including waveguides, modulators, thermo-optic heaters, and control circuitry. The role spans PDK-based layout, multiphysics simulation and modeling, and tape-out for fabrication at leading foundries. Experience with photonic design tools (e.g., Lumerical, KLayout, Tidy3D, or similar) is highly desirable.
Postdoctoral Researcher — Optical Neural Networks and Photonic Accelerators
We seek a postdoc to develop photonic accelerators and optical neural networks, bridging hardware and algorithms. The work includes mapping ML workloads onto photonic hardware, co-designing training and optimization schemes, and benchmarking against electronic baselines. A background spanning photonics and machine learning is ideal.
Visiting Scientists
Visiting Scientist — Programmable Photonics and Optical Computing
We welcome visiting scientists and sabbatical researchers interested in programmable integrated photonics and optical computing. Visitors can engage in collaborative projects across device design, ultrafast electro-optics, and photonic system integration. Visits of flexible duration can be arranged; please include a short statement of research interests.
Internships
Internship — Photonic Chip Simulation and Modeling
Internship to support the modeling and simulation of integrated photonic devices, including waveguides, modulators, and thermal/heater components. Interns gain hands-on experience with industry-standard photonic and multiphysics simulation tools. Suitable for graduate or advanced undergraduate students with a background in photonics or electromagnetics.
Internship — Electro-Optic Device Characterization
Internship focused on experimental characterization of high-speed electro-optic and photonic devices in the lab. Interns assist with measurement setups, data acquisition, and analysis of modulators and programmable photonic circuits. A background in optics, electrical engineering, or physics is preferred.
Undergraduate Projects
Undergraduate Project — Photonic Layout and Design
Research opportunity in the layout and design of integrated photonic circuits using standard photonic design kits. Students learn the basics of waveguide design, component layout, and chip-level simulation. Open to UMD undergraduates with an interest in photonics and a willingness to learn design tools.
Undergraduate Project — Optimization Tools for Photonic Design
We are looking for undergraduates to help develop and apply optimization and machine-learning tools for photonic circuit design. The project involves scripting, data analysis, and working with simulation pipelines to tune device performance. Programming experience (Python preferred) is a plus.