The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) invites applications for a fully funded PhD scholarship in Computing Parallelism Enabled by Photonic Integrated Circuits, hosted at DTU Electro. This position is part of the EU-funded MINDnet Doctoral Network, which brings together 15 PhD students across 7 universities, a research center, and two companies from eight EU countries. The overarching research theme is neuromorphic computing and analog signal processing, with applications in communication, sensing, geolocalization, space, and biomedical fields.

The successful candidate will join an international team at DTU Electro, working closely with experts in photonic computing. The project will involve both numerical and experimental research, leveraging synergies with ongoing projects and activities within the department. The main supervisor is Associate Professor Francesco Da Ros. The PhD student will also benefit from secondments of at least 3 months at the University of Pisa (Italy), Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (Germany), and Spincloud (Germany), as well as regular meetings, training schools, and workshops with the broader MINDnet network.

The research will address the exponential growth in artificial intelligence, internet traffic, and online services, which demands new approaches in devices, computing architectures, and integration technologies. The project will focus on neuromorphic computing inspired by the brain’s energy-efficient processing, with a particular emphasis on photonic platforms. Key research tasks include investigating photonic multiplexing (time, frequency, and mode) to enhance computing efficiency through parallelism, exploring photonic reservoir computing, relating parallelism to algorithmic and multi-tasking applications, and comparing nonlinear equalization in optical signal transmission with neuromorphic electronics.

Applicants must hold a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent in a relevant field. Due to Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility rules, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment. The position is subject to academic approval and enrolment in a DTU PhD programme. The employment period is 3 years, with a salary based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (minimum DKK 29,691.75 base salary plus DKK 1,551.00 PhD supplement per month, plus pension).

DTU offers a dynamic, international research environment with a commitment to academic excellence, collegial respect, and academic freedom. The university has over 13,500 students and 6,000 employees, and is recognized globally for its research, education, and innovation. DTU Electro is a leading department in electrical and photonics engineering, with research spanning nanophotonics, lasers, quantum photonics, optical sensors, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission, bio-photonics, acoustics, power electronics, robotics, and autonomous systems.

To apply, submit your complete application online by 15 March 2026. Applications must include a cover letter, CV, grade transcripts, and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) with official grading scale, all combined into a single PDF. For further information, contact Assoc. Prof. Francesco Da Ros ([email protected]) or visit the DTU Electro website. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of background. The recruitment process follows the European Code of Conduct for Recruitment of Researchers.