Postdoc in Experimental Optical Materials Discovery - DTU Physics

DTU; Denmark; Remote; DKK 480,000 - 560,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Physics seeks a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher for a 2-year position in experimental nanophotonics and optical materials discovery. The goal is to identify, characterize and utilize emerging optical materials with high refractive index and low losses for light trapping in nanostructured thin-film solar cells.

You will develop imaging ellipsometry to measure complex refractive indices of microscopic crystals and thin films.

Qualifications

• Significant experimental experience with optical spectroscopy, microscopy, or related optical characterization methods.
• Strong understanding of light-matter interactions and resonant optical properties of nanostructures.
• Experience with quantitative analysis of optical measurements and extraction of optical material properties.
• Knowledge of solid-state or materials physics related to optical response of semiconductors and dielectrics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply imaging ellipsometry methods to determine complex and anisotropic refractive indices.
• Perform optical spectroscopy and microscopy of emerging materials and resonant nanostructures.
• Prepare samples and fabricate resonant nanostructures for experimental validation.

Skills

Optical spectroscopy

Microscopy

Ellipsometry

Light-matter interactions

Data analysis

Education

PhD

Tools

Imaging ellipsometry

Optical spectroscopy tools

Job description

DTU Physics seeks a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher for a 2-year position in experimental nanophotonics and optical materials discovery. The goal is to identify, characterize and utilize emerging optical materials with high refractive index and low losses, that can enable more efficient light trapping in nanostructured thin-film solar cells. Your role will focus on the experimental determination of the optical properties of promising materials identified in collaboration with researchers across the project. A central activity will be to develop and apply imaging ellipsometry for measuring the complex and potentially anisotropic refractive indices of microscopic crystals and thin films. The investigated materials may span several material classes, including van der Waals materials, depending on the candidates emerging from computational screening and experimental synthesis. You will combine ellipsometry with optical spectroscopy of materials and resonant nanostructures to establish reliable connections between microscopic material properties and nanophotonic response. The resulting measurements will contribute to a comprehensive optical materials dataset that supports photonic design and AI-guided materials discovery within the project. Your main tasks will be:

• Develop and apply imaging ellipsometry methods to determine the complex and anisotropic refractive indices of microscopic crystals and thin films.
• Perform optical spectroscopy and microscopy of emerging materials and resonant nanostructures.
• Prepare samples and fabricate resonant nanostructures from selected materials for experimental validation of their nanophotonic properties.

Responsibilities and qualifications

You will be part of the LightTrap project, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, which aims to use AI to accelerate the discovery of new optical materials and nanostructures that enhance the performance of thin-film solar cells. LightTrap covers the entire discovery chain, from ab initio calculations and photonic simulations to materials synthesis and nanostructuring, all guided by advanced AI algorithms to optimise and understand the optical properties of light-trapping surfaces. (more information can be found in the following News post). You will work closely with colleagues both within the 2D Materials Engineering and Physics (2DPHYS) and Computational Atomic-scale Materials Design (CAMD) sections at DTU Physics as well as at DTU Compute and DTU Nanolab.

Required qualifications

• Significant experimental experience with optical spectroscopy, microscopy, or related optical characterization methods.
• A strong understanding of light-matter interactions and the resonant optical properties of nanostructures.
• Experience with quantitative analysis of optical measurements and extraction or interpretation of optical material properties.
• Knowledge of solid-state or materials physics relevant to the optical response of semiconductors and dielectric materials.

General qualifications

• Scientific production and research potential at the international level
• Independent problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and language skills (English)
• Experience with collaborations and team-based work style

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

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 characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff. The period of employment is 2 years. The position is a full-time position. The expected start date is 1 January 2027 or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Søren Raza, [e-mail].

You can read more about our research on the Applied Nano-Optics webpage.

You can read more about DTU Physics at https://physics.dtu.dk/.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU - Moving to Denmark.

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 Physics performs research, teaching, and innovation in experimental and theoretical physics with the overall aim to benefit society. We contribute to the transition to sustainable energy via research and innovation in catalysis, Power-to-X, and nuclear energy solutions. We design and develop new functional materials, contribute to advances in geosciences and life sciences, and we develop and exploit quantum physics and quantum technologies.

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.