PhD Opportunities (USA)

Hosted in collaboration with leading U.S. universities and Zynthera Company: Brandeis University, Tulane University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Start Date: Sep 1, 2026

Application Deadline: September 1, 2025

We are excited to announce three fully funded PhD positions in collaboration with premier U.S. universities and our industry-leading company. These projects are designed to support the next generation of researchers in cutting-edge topics related to optical communications, cybersecurity, and energy-efficient digital infrastructure.

Each selected candidate will be admitted into a four-year PhD program, jointly conducted between one of the partner universities and our U.S.-based R&D division.

Program Benefits

• Annual Tax-Free Stipend: $36,000

• Full Tuition Coverage

• Comprehensive Health Insurance

• Housing Assistance (university + 6-month company internship)

• ️ Visa Support & International Airfare (up to $3,500)

• Hybrid Training Model: 3.5 years at university, 6 months at our company site (internship/practical work)

• PhD Degree: Awarded by the hosting university

Open to U.S. and international applicants, with one vacancy per project.

PhD Research Opportunities

Position Code: FSOC-2026

Project Title: Free Space Optical Communications

This project explores free-space optical communication (FSOC) systems for high-speed, ground-to-ground and ground-to-satellite links. Research areas may include:

• FSOC link characterization and bit-error-rate analysis

• Atmospheric turbulence modeling and correlation with signal performance

• Remote operation performance using existing observatory infrastructure

• Mobile observatory development for dual-site data collection

• Early-stage quantum communication experiments

Position Code: CPS-2026

Project Title: Resilient-by-Design Cyber Physical Systems against Data Integrity Attacks

This project aims to develop zero-false-alarm cyber threat detection tools for mission-critical Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). The PhD research will focus on:

• Secure-by-design CPS modeling using hybrid systems theory

• SMT-based formal verification and delta-decision frameworks

• Real-world testing using flight systems and defense-grade differential pressure scanners

• Detection of stealthy attacks (e.g., false data injection, sensor spoofing)

This project is in collaboration with our industrial partner Evolution Measurement, and is embedded in a leading U.S. Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.

Position Code: BDFA-2026

Project Title: Energy-Efficient Optical Amplifiers for Next-Generation O-band Networks

Addressing the surge in global data traffic, this project develops bismuth-doped fiber amplifiers (BDFA) for low-power, high-capacity O-band optical networks:

• Design and experimental validation of BDFA prototypes

• System testing in CWDM/DWDM setups

• Integration with coherent transmission platforms

• Application of ML for amplifier performance optimization

• Collaboration with KDDI Research (Japan) and Lightera (USA)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in one or more of the following fields:

• Electrical/Optical Engineering

• Computer Engineering or Cybersecurity

• Physics, Photonics, or Applied Mathematics

• Other relevant STEM disciplines

Candidates with demonstrated research experience, publications, or industrial exposure are highly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send the following materials by email:

Send your application to:

Email Subject:

PhD candidate – [Position Code] - Fullname

Email Attachments (PDF format only):

1. Resume (CV)

2. Degree Certificates and Transcripts (in English)

*Note: All submitted applications will first undergo an initial evaluation based on the documents provided. At this stage, no application fee is required; candidates are welcome to send their resumes (CV) to the above email address. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly and invited for a 30-minute online interview. Only after being shortlisted will candidates be asked to proceed with the application fee payment ($30) in order to move forward in the selection process.

️ Important Dates

• Application Deadline: September 1, 2025. You might be contacted for interview(s) before the deadline.

• Interview Period: 15 September-October 2025 (1–2 online interviews, 30 minutes each)

• PhD Start Date: Sep 1, 2026

Diversity and Global Reach

We welcome applications from candidates worldwide, including those from underrepresented groups in science and engineering. Our partner universities and our company are committed to fostering inclusive and globally relevant research.