The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a PhD Candidate position in the field of hybrid integration of tunable lasers and electro-optical frequency combs. NTNU is a leading technical-scientific university located in Trondheim, Norway, with a strong focus on professional education and research. The Department of Electronic Systems is renowned for its expertise in nanoelectronics, photonics, signal processing, radio technology, acoustics, satellite technology, and autonomous systems. This PhD project centers on experimental research in nonlinear and hybrid integrated photonics, aiming to develop high-power hybrid integrated tunable lasers and electro-optical frequency combs. The research addresses the advancement of laser, optical amplifier, and photonic integrated light source technologies, which are crucial for applications in optical fiber communications, metrology, environmental and medical sensing, imaging, and fundamental sciences such as laser spectroscopy. The project will focus on the hybrid integration of III-V gain media with low-loss photonic integrated circuits (PICs), leveraging recent breakthroughs in lithium niobate and tantalate on insulator (LN(T)OI) PICs to exploit the Pockels effect for ultrafast tunable lasers. Key objectives include developing high-power hybrid integration concepts and thin film lithium niobate and lithium tantalate PICs to serve as photonic integrated pump lasers for traveling-wave nonlinear waveguide devices. These lasers must achieve continuous-wave output powers beyond 1 W for applications such as long-distance LiDAR, fiber sensing, and as pump lasers for nonlinear photonic devices like optical parametric amplifiers and entangled photon pair light sources. The successful candidate will join the Nanoelectronics and Photonics group and report to Associate Professor Johann Riemensberger. Duties include numerical simulations of nonlinear photonic waveguides and devices, photonic design of hybrid integrated laser structures, academic publications, popular science dissemination, participation in international activities, teaching, and other career-promoting work. The position offers a dynamic and international research environment, career guidance, mentoring, and access to employee benefits including favorable pension terms and free Norwegian language training. Applicants must hold a relevant Master's degree in Photonics or equivalent, with a strong academic record (grade B or better). Master students may apply if the degree is completed before starting the position. Excellent written and oral English skills are required, as well as the ability to work outside Norway for short exchange periods. Preferred qualifications include experience with electromagnetic simulation software (Lumerical, Comsol, Tidy3D, CST, HFSS), optical experimentation with photonic integrated circuits, programming skills for experimental control and automation, and standard nanofabrication processes. The position is fully funded, with a gross salary of NOK 550,800 per annum and a 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund. The employment period is 3 years for doctoral work plus 4 months/year of career promotion work or teaching. The application deadline is 31 March 2026. Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no, including all required documents in English. For questions about the position, contact Associate Professor Johann Riemensberger at [email protected]. NTNU values diversity and aims to reflect the diversity of society in its workforce. The university offers a supportive and inclusive environment, with measures to promote equality and career development. Trondheim is a vibrant city with excellent opportunities for education, culture, and family life, and is known for its high quality of life and low crime rates.

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a PhD position in the hybrid integration of tunable lasers and electro-optical frequency combs, hosted by the Department of Electronic Systems in Trondheim. NTNU is Norway’s leading technical-scientific university, with a strong focus on professional education and research, and a vibrant community of 9,000 employees and 43,000 students. This research project aims to advance the development of high-power hybrid integrated lasers and electro-optical frequency combs, leveraging nonlinear and hybrid integrated photonics. The work will focus on integrating III-V gain media with low-loss photonic integrated circuits (PICs), utilizing thin film lithium niobate and lithium tantalate technologies. The goal is to realize photonic integrated pump lasers for traveling-wave nonlinear waveguide devices, with continuous-wave output powers beyond 1 W, suitable for applications such as long-distance LiDAR, fiber sensing, optical parametric amplifiers, and entangled photon pair light sources. The successful candidate will engage in numerical simulations of nonlinear photonic waveguides and devices, photonic design of hybrid integrated laser structures, and experimental research in collaboration with NTNU and external foundries. Additional responsibilities include academic publications, popular science dissemination, participation in international conferences or research stays, teaching, and other career-promoting activities. The position offers a dynamic and international professional environment, career guidance, mentor programme, and access to employee benefits including favorable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund and free Norwegian language training at a basic level. Applicants must hold a relevant Master’s degree in Photonics or equivalent, corresponding to a five-year Norwegian course with 120 credits at master’s level. Master students may apply if the degree is completed before starting the position and no later than 1 September 2026. A strong academic background is required, with an average grade of B or better on NTNU’s grading scale or equivalent. Candidates with weaker grades may be considered if they can document particular suitability for PhD education. Admission requirements for the faculty’s Doctoral Programme must be met. Documented very good written and oral English language skills are required, and the ability to work outside Norway for short exchange periods is necessary. Preferred qualifications include broad experience with electromagnetic simulation software (Lumerical, Comsol, Tidy3D, CST, HFSS, or similar), strong experience with optical experimentation with photonic integrated circuits, strong programming skills for experimental control and automation systems, and experience with standard nanofabrication processes. Personal qualities such as quantitative, structured, and independent work, collaborative attitude, strong communication and presentation skills, and flexibility are emphasized. The position is funded with a gross salary of NOK 550,800 per annum, plus a 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund. The employment period is 3 years for doctoral work, with an additional 4 months per year dedicated to career promotion work and teaching. The appointment is subject to admission to the PhD programme in Electronics within three months of the employment contract start date, and participation in an organized doctoral programme throughout the period of employment. The position is carried out in accordance with the principles of the State Employees Act and export control legislation. NTNU values diversity and aims to reflect the diversity in society, promoting equality and inclusion. The university offers a supportive environment for international candidates, with professional subsidized day-care, excellent welfare benefits, and opportunities for education and family life in Trondheim, Norway’s tech capital. To apply, submit your application electronically via Jobbnorge.no by 31 March 2026. Required documents include transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, CV, copy or draft of Master’s thesis, project outline, motivation letter, publications or other relevant research work, certificates, and names/contact information of three referees. All documents must be in English. For questions about the position, contact Associate Professor Johann Riemensberger ([email protected]). For recruitment process inquiries, contact Solveig Grimstad ([email protected]). For further information, visit Jobbnorge or NTNU .