Doctoral Position in Mid-Infrared Integrated Photonics and Optical Sensing

1000scholars; Zürich; On-site; CHF 45,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public transport tickets

Car sharing

Sports programs (ASVZ)

Childcare support

Pension benefits

Job summary

ETH Zurich’s Optical Nanomaterial Laboratory invites a doctoral researcher to pursue a project at the interface of mid-infrared photonics and optical sensing. The role spans device design, simulation, fabrication in a cleanroom, and experimental characterization, addressing challenging photonics problems in a four-year, fully funded position.

The successful candidate will develop models, fabricate devices, and perform spectroscopy and data analysis, with opportunities to publish and present at

Qualifications

• Candidates should be highly motivated, curious, rigorous, and creative, with an interest in addressing technically demanding experimental challenges.
• Applicants should hold, or be close to obtaining, a Master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, photonics, materials science, or a related field.
• Significant cleanroom work; prior experience in micro- and nanofabrication is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop numerical models and design photonic layouts for MIR integrated devices.
• Contribute to micro- and nanofabrication processes in the cleanroom and perform optical/electrical measurements.
• Carry out MIR optical characterization, spectroscopy experiments, and data analysis.

Skills

Motivation

Curiosity

Rigor

Creativity

Python

MATLAB

Education

Master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, photonics, materials science, or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Doctoral Position in Mid-Infrared Integrated Photonics and Optical Sensing

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Optical Nanomaterial Laboratory in the Physics Department at ETH Zurich is looking for a doctoral researcher in mid-infrared integrated photonics and optical sensing. Mid-infrared (MIR) photonics enables highly sensitive and selective spectroscopic detection of molecular species and has applications in environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, industrial process control, and fundamental research.

Project background

The project will focus on the development of integrated MIR photonic devices for advanced optical sensing and spectroscopy. The successful candidate will work at the interface of integrated photonics, nonlinear optics, and MIR spectroscopy, contributing to the design, simulation, fabrication, and experimental characterization of photonic devices.

Job description

• This doctoral project provides training across the complete development cycle of MIR integrated photonic devices


• The doctoral student will develop numerical models, design photonic layouts and contribute to micro- and nanofabrication processes in the cleanroom, and perform optical and electrical measurements to evaluate device performance


• The work will also involve MIR optical characterization, spectroscopy experiments, and data analysis

Profile

• The successful candidate should be highly motivated, curious, rigorous, and creative, with an interest in addressing technically demanding experimental challenges


• Applicants should hold, or be close to obtaining, a Master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, photonics, materials science, or a related field


• The position will involve significant cleanroom work; prior experience in micro- and nanofabrication is therefore highly beneficial

Experience in one or more of the following areas is advantageous:

• Micro- and nanofabrication, lithography, etching, thin-film processing, or cleanroom work


• Integrated photonics, waveguide optics, nanophotonics, or MIR photonics


• Optical characterization, laser-based experiments, or spectroscopy


• Numerical modelling and simulation of optical or multiphysics devices


• Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for scientific data analysis and automation


• Nonlinear optics, frequency conversion, radio-frequency electronics

We offer

We offer a fully funded doctoral position in an international and interdisciplinary research environment, with access to advanced cleanroom facilities, photonics laboratories, simulation tools, and state-of-the-art MIR measurement equipment. The position provides broad training in integrated photonic-device development, from device design and fabrication to experimental demonstration. The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to scientific publications, attend international conferences, and collaborate with academic partners. Aditionally you become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society.

You can also expect numerous benefits, such as public-transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

The start date is flexible. The position is intended for four years, subject to institutional regulations and satisfactory progress.

Further information about the Optical Nanomaterial Laboratory can be found on our Website.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.