Research Assistant in Integrated Photonics

Aarhus University; Favrskov Kommune; On-site; DKK 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Aarhus University invites applications for a full-time Research Assistant in Integrated Photonics. Based in Aarhus, Denmark, the nine-month position involves designing, modelling and experimentally investigating photonic integrated devices, including wavelength conversion and chip-scale light sources.

The role connects design with experimental characterisation, requiring a Master’s degree in relevant fields and experience in photonics.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in photonics, physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience with photonic integrated circuits, optical modelling, or laboratory characterisation is an advantage.
• Sound experimental practice, clear documentation, and collegial teamwork are valued.

Responsibilities

• Design and model integrated optical components and circuits.
• Set up and carry out optical experiments to characterise photonic devices.
• Analyse experimental results and compare with simulations.
• Document methods and results and contribute to publications.

Skills

Photonic integrated circuits

Optical modelling

Laboratory characterisation

Education

Master's degree in photonics/physics/electrical engineering or related field

Job description

Research Assistant in Integrated Photonics

Institut for Elektro- og Computerteknologi - Biomedical Engineering - Edison Finlandsgade 22 8200 Aarhus N

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Aarhus University invites applications for a full-time, nine-month Research Assistant position in its Group of Integrated Photonics. Based in Aarhus, Denmark, the position is expected to start on 1 November 2026 or as soon as the recruitment process permits. You will help design, model, and experimentally investigate photonic integrated devices, including work on wavelength conversion and chip-scale light sources.

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a full-time position (37 hours per week) for nine months. The preferred start date is 1 December 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The end date will be set accordingly.

You will connect the design and modelling of photonic integrated circuits with their experimental characterisation. Your work will include:

• Designing and modelling integrated optical components and circuits.
• Setting up and carrying out optical experiments to characterise photonic devices.
• Analysing experimental results and comparing them with simulations.
• Documenting methods and results and contributing to research publications.

The research may involve nonlinear wavelength conversion, integrated light sources, and other photonic devices studied by the group.

Your profile

You must hold a Master’s degree in photonics, physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field. Experience with photonic integrated circuits, optical modelling, or laboratory characterisation is an advantage. We value sound experimental practice, clear documentation, and the ability to work constructively with colleagues.

Who we are

The Group of Integrated Photonics at Aarhus University studies how light can be generated and controlled on chips. Our work combines modelling, nonlinear optics, device design, and experiments. Current research includes wavelength conversion, integrated light sources, laser stability, and photonic technologies for communications, sensing, and quantum applications.

What we offer

You will work in a group that combines optical modelling with hands-on experiments on photonic chips. Our laboratory supports the characterisation of integrated devices across visible, telecom, and longer wavelengths, and you will collaborate closely with researchers working on nonlinear photonics and integrated light sources.

Place of work and area of employment

The place of work is Finlandsgade 22, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark. The area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Contact information

For further information, please contact Associate Professor Nick Volet at [e-mail]

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 20 October 2026.

Application procedure

Short-listing is used. This means that after the deadline for applications - and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the assessment committee if necessary, - the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. The selection is made on the basis of an assessment of who of the candidates are most relevant considering the requirements of the advertisement. All applicants will be notified within 6 weeks whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee and will receive his/her assessment.

Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here .

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxationand the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities .

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions at basic salary steps 4-8.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.