Scholar - PhD student in Optics and Ultrafast Laser Physics Wrocław University of Science and Technology in Poland

PhD scholarship opportunity in optics and ultrafast laser physics at Wrocław University of Science and Technology.

The Faculty of Electronics, Photonics and Microsystems is recruiting a Scholar - PhD student for a project on ultrastable pulsed lasers covering the spectral range from near to far infrared. The research is part of the FENG.02.02-IP.05-0069/23 project, which focuses on photonics and electronics, especially ultrashort-pulse laser generation and nonlinear optical conversion.

The successful candidate will work on the development of novel stabilised laser sources producing ultra-short pulses in the mid-infrared (3-25 µm) and far-infrared (25-300 µm) range, based on Cr:ZnS/Se solid-state lasers. The project aims for sub-10 fs pulse durations and spectral conversion toward an ultra-broadband source covering 1-300 µm. Main tasks include optimisation of a solid-state laser demonstrator, spectral conversion of pulses into the mid- and far-infrared, and application of the developed radiation sources with project partners.

The research is carried out in close cooperation with Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich and VIGO Photonics. The PhD candidate will also undertake an overseas research internship in Germany and may participate in the commercialisation-oriented collaboration with industry. The project notes applications in biomedicine, including spectroscopic measurements of human blood for early cancer detection.

Funding: the position is a scholarship/studentship with a remuneration of 6000 PLN per month, supported by the FIRST TEAM FENG programme and the European Funds for Smart Economy 2021-2027. The contract period runs from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027, and the scholarship may be collected only while the doctoral student has active status.

Eligibility highlights: a Master degree or equivalent is required; candidates with backgrounds in physics or electronics are preferred. Applicants should have knowledge of optics, nonlinear optics, and laser physics, with practical laboratory experience in pulsed lasers and optical experiments seen as an advantage. Experience with Cr:ZnS/Se lasers and spectral conversion is beneficial. English at B2 level or higher is required, together with enthusiasm, patience, strong motivation for experimental research, full-time availability, and mobility.

Application: submit a CV with scientific achievements and publications, awards, and research activity, plus a motivation letter explaining your fit for the project tasks. Applications and inquiries should be sent by email to maciej.kowalczyk@pwr.edu.pl. The deadline is 4 September 2026 at 15:00 (Europe/Warsaw), and interviews are scheduled for 14–22 September 2026.