PhD scholarship in fabrication technology for advanced photonic devices - DTU Nanolab

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet; Ørsted; On-site; DKK 312,000 - 379,000; Full time

Job summary

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet is offering a PhD scholarship focusing on advanced light-based quantum technologies. The project blends nanofabrication, materials science, and integrated photonic circuits to fabricate devices for light-based quantum computing and qubit operations.

The position involves collaboration with DTU Nanolab and the Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Project, with a 3-year appointment under Danish collective agreements.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have some experience in material science, semiconductor process engineering and/or photon integrated circuit fabrication.
• Experience with semiconductor fabrication processes/tools in a clean room facility is required.
• Understanding of Photonic Waveguides and Photon Integrated Circuits is advantageous.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to fabrication and testing of photonic devices for quantum computing systems.
• Collaborate on development of photonic circuits and material science studies.
• Assist with planning, documentation, and reporting for the PhD project.

Skills

Semiconductor fabrication processes

Clean room operation

Dry or wet etch processes

English proficiency

Education

Two-year master's degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent

Tools

Clean room tools

Job description

Advanced light-based quantum technologies require advanced photonic components with complexities in techniques, design and material composition. In this PhD project you will combine nanofabrication, material science with principles of integrated photonic circuits to fabricate devices for light-based quantum computing systems controlling photonic and neutral atom qubit operations.

The development of this type of technology is crucial for the next generation of quantum operation and has great commercial interest. The skills and experience acquired during the scholarship will make you highly valuable for the semiconductor industry, and especially in the rapidly growing field of quantum technologies and data communication. The project with be closely connected to the qubit pilot lines at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Project (NQCP) which provides material stacks and design guidance.

Responsibilities and qualifications

We are looking for candidates with some prior experience in material science, semiconductor process engineering and/or photon integrated circuit fabrication.

Applicants should have:

• Experience with semiconductor fabrication processes/tools and working in a clean room facility (must).
• Experience in developing dry or wet etch processes for microchip fabrication (preferred)
• A general understanding of Photonic Waveguides, Photon Integrated Circuits, especially used for optical modulation (optional)
• Fluent in written and spoken English (must)

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment

The assessment of the applicants will be made by Radu Malureanu, Stefan Schäffer and Stefano Paesani.

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterised by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Radu Malureanu [e-mail]

DTU Nanolab, Assistant Professor Stefan Schäffer, [e-mail], NQCP or Associate Professor Stefano Paesani, [e-mail], NQCP. Professor Henri Jansen [e-mail] DTU Nanolab.

You can read more about DTU Nanolab at DTU Nanolab and NQCP at Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme – University of Copenhagen

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829

DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.

Location

Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Apply Before

2026-09-13T21:59:00+00:00