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.