Industrial PhD in Picosecond Pulse Sources for Quantum-Dot Excitation (Photonics, Quantum Technologies, Ultrafast Optics) Technical University of Denmark in Denmark

Phanofi and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Electro) are recruiting for a fully funded Industrial PhD in picosecond pulse sources for quantum-dot excitation (PULSE-Q). This is a 3-year research collaboration supported by Innovation Fund Denmark, combining academic research with industrial product development in Copenhagen/Lyngby, Denmark.

The project sits at the intersection of integrated photonics, quantum technologies, ultrafast optics, and photonic integrated circuits (PICs). The successful candidate will work on compact, tunable, chip-integrated picosecond pulse sources for quantum-dot excitation, with applications in scalable quantum systems and next-generation photonic connectivity.

Research and technical themes include: photonic design and simulation, PIC development for UV-lithography-compatible fabrication, alternative integrated-photonics material platforms, mask layout and tape-out, chip fabrication support with DTU Nanolab, optical/electrical/RF characterization, thermal tunability analysis, pulsed laser system development for O-band, C-band, and NIR, and exploratory work on novel pulse generation concepts for quantum technology and ultrafast photonics.

Funding and structure: the position is fully funded as an Industrial PhD, with a competitive salary based on seniority. The researcher will spend 60% of the time at Phanofi and 40% at DTU Electro, and will complete 30 ECTS of PhD coursework at DTU. The role offers access to advanced photonics and optoelectronics laboratories, mentorship from academic and industry experts, and opportunities to contribute to publications, patents, and commercialization.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should have an MSc degree in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field, or be close to completion. Strong academic performance is required: Danish applicants need the specified weighted average threshold, while non-Danish applicants must document top-10% ranking in their year group. Experience with Python-based photonic simulation tools or software such as Lumerical or COMSOL is preferred, along with a strong experimental mindset and good scientific communication skills. RF electronics and FPGA experience are a plus.

Supervision team: Dagmawi A. Bekele (company supervisor), Hitesh Kumar Sahoo (company co-supervisor), Jesper Mørk (university supervisor), and Meng Xiong (university co-supervisor).

Application window: submit by 31 August 2026, 23:59 Copenhagen time. Applicants must prepare a single PDF containing a cover letter, CV, transcripts, degree certificates, grade conversion, eligibility documentation, and reference contacts, then upload it with the application.