At a Glance
- Tasks: Invent optical interconnects for power-efficient and reliable optical I/O links.
- Company: Join Microsoft Research Cambridge, a leader in innovative technology.
- Benefits: Collaborate with world-class researchers and gain hands-on experience.
- Other info: Dynamic research environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on next-gen optical I/O for AI infrastructure.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion in relevant fields with strong optical communication background.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Join Microsoft Research Cambridge to invent optical interconnects that deliver power-efficient and reliable optical I/O links.
Department/Organization/Location: Microsoft Research Cambridge (UK), working with researchers and partner engineering teams on next-generation optical I/O for AI infrastructure. Current mainstream interconnect technologies face a fundamental trade-off: copper links are power-efficient and reliable but limited in reach, while optical links extend reach but often increase power and reduce reliability. Our program explores a new approach based on a “wide-and-slow” architecture (many parallel, lower-rate channels) to break this trade-off and enable scalable, manufacturable optical I/O. This is a unique opportunity for an exceptional researcher to work in a leading industrial research environment, collaborating closely with world-class researchers at Microsoft and engineering partners across the ecosystem.
Location: Cambridge, UK
Contract Length: 2 Years
Responsibilities
- 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.
Qualifications
Required/Minimum Qualifications:
- 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.
Preferred/Additional Qualifications:
- 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.
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances.
If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.
Cambridge Residency Programme: Optical Communication Systems Researcher employer: Microsoft
Microsoft in Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from competitive compensation, a supportive environment, and ample opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in cloud solutions. The strategic location in Oxford further enhances the experience, providing access to a vibrant tech community and rich cultural resources.
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We think this is how you could land Cambridge Residency Programme: Optical Communication Systems Researcher
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We think you need these skills to ace Cambridge Residency Programme: Optical Communication Systems Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
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How to prepare for a job interview at Microsoft
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Microsoft, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
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✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Microsoft want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
