Research Assistant in Data-Distributed Optical Communication Systems using Optical Frequency Combs - DTU Electro

DTU - Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Electro seeks a Research Assistant to advance data‑distributed optical communication systems based on optical frequency combs. You will work with state‑of‑the‑art experimental platforms to explore high‑capacity fiber‑optic transmission and novel data formats.

This role offers collaboration with leading researchers and contributes to future communication infrastructures. The position aligns with DTU’s strong focus on research excellence in an international environment, with salary structures

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering or equivalent is required.
• Detailed experience with optical fiber systems and optical communication systems is expected.
• Experience with digital signal processing of coherent optical data signals and re‑circulating fiber loops is required.

Responsibilities

• Experimentally implement and characterize data‑distributed optical communication systems using optical frequency combs.
• Characterize combs as distributed light sources supporting multiple fibers and investigate repeater‑less cables.
• Perform advanced characterization of optical communication systems and DSP of coherent signals.

Skills

Optical fiber systems

Optical communication

Frequency combs

DSP for coherent signals

Experimentation

Education

Master’s degree in engineering

Tools

Optical test equipment

Coherent detection equipment

Job description

Job Description

Are you passionate about advancing the future of optical communications and photonic technologies? We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to contribute to cutting‑edge research in data‑distributed optical communication systems based on optical frequency combs. In this role, you will work with state‑of‑the‑art experimental platforms to investigate next‑generation optical networks, characterize advanced communication systems, and explore innovative approaches for high‑capacity fiber‑optic transmission. This position offers an exciting opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers and help shape the development of future communication infrastructures.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

• Experimental implementations and characterizations of data‑distributed optical communication systems using optical frequency combs. This involves characterizing combs as a distributed light source supporting many optical fibers, investigating repeater‑less optical cables, and exploring various data modulation formats to this end.
• We expect that you have detailed experience with optical fiber systems, optical communication systems, repeatered and unrepeatered fiber links, and the use of optical frequency combs.
• You must have experience with advanced characterization of optical communication systems, including digital signal processing of coherent optical data signals, and re‑circulating optical fiber loops.
• As a formal qualification, you must have a master’s degree in engineering 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: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.

The period of employment is 1 year.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Professor Leif Katsuo Oxenløwe [e-mail].

You can read more about the Department at DTU Electro.

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

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 16 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time).

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 Electro employs more than 300 skilled researchers with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. As a department, we strive towards creating sustainable energy and a greener internet, as well as strengthening cyber security and health technology. Working with industry and public organizations is one of our top priorities to find and implement new solutions to our society. We aim to offer education, research, and innovation of the highest standard, and our focus on application‑oriented research enables us to work across many engineering disciplines and research areas, such as IT and the medical and health sciences. We have a close collaboration with researchers from all over the world, just as we collaborate with industry and public authorities about the dissemination of solutions based on electrical and photonics engineering as their key enabling 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.