Doctoral Student in Photonic Fluids and Frequency Combs

ETH Zurich; Schweiz; On-site; CHF 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State-of-the-art facilities

Cleanroom access

Interdisciplinary training

Job summary

ETH Zürich invites applications for a Doctoral Student position in Photonic Fluids and Frequency Combs. The project explores frequency comb physics, liquid-light dynamics, and nonlinear laser behavior through fabrication, optical experiments, and theory—combining device physics with precision measurements.

Candidates should have a strong background in physics or electrical engineering with photonics, and an interest in integrating fabrication, experiments, and simulations.

Qualifications

• Background in physics or electrical engineering with photonics.
• Interest in combining fabrication, experiments and theory.
• Experience with cleanroom fabrication, optical experiments, lasers or numerical modelling is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Designing and fabricating semiconductor photonic devices and characterizing them.
• Building and operating optical measurement setups to study dynamics and coherence.
• Developing theoretical and numerical models to describe nonlinear laser dynamics.

Skills

Physics background

Photonics

Experimental work

Theory & simulations

Tools

Cleanroom fabrication

Optical experiments

Laser systems

Numerical modelling

Job description

Organisation/Company ETH Zürich Research Field Engineering » Electrical engineering Engineering » Other Physics » Optics Physics » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 4 Jan 2027 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Switzerland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Doctoral Student in Photonic Fluids and Frequency Combs

Our group explores new regimes of frequency comb physics — laser sources that generate thousands of evenly spaced spectral lines, acting as ultra-precise rulers for measuring light. We study liquid-like light in fast-gain semiconductor lasers, where strong nonlinear dynamics can produce stable and controllable broadband states. Our research combines semiconductor device fabrication, precision optical experiments, and theoretical and numerical modelling to understand and control these systems.

Project background

This project investigates the dynamics, fluctuations, and open-system physics of liquid light. The doctoral student will work across the full experimental cycle: developing and fabricating photonic devices, building and operating optical setups, performing precision measurements, and modelling the underlying nonlinear dynamics.

• Designing and fabricating semiconductor photonic devices using cleanroom processes, followed by their electrical and optical characterization.
• Building and operating advanced laser and optical measurement setups to study temporal dynamics, fluctuations, coherence, and controlled light–matter interactions.
• Developing theoretical and numerical models to describe nonlinear laser dynamics, interpret experiments, and guide the design of new devices and measurements.

The goal is to establish a versatile experimental platform for probing and controlling liquid-light dynamics, connecting device physics, precision measurements, and nonlinear photonic theory.

Profile

• Strong background in physics and\or electrical engineering, photonics, or a closely related field.
• Interest in combining fabrication, experimental work, and theory/simulations.
• Advantage to previous experience with cleanroom fabrication, optical experiments, lasers, or numerical modelling is helpful, but specific platform experience is not required.

We offer

• A research environment combining fundamental physics, semiconductor technology, and advanced photonics.
• State-of-the-art cleanroom, laser, and characterization facilities at ETH Zürich.
• The opportunity to develop broad expertise spanning device fabrication, precision experiments, and theoretical modelling within one PhD project.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich We value diversity and sustainabilityIn 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.

Further information about the Institute for Quantum Electronics can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Alexander Dikopoltsev, [e-mail] (no applications).

About ETH ZürichETH 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.