PhD scholarship in fabrication technology for advanced photonic devices - DTU Nanolab

Advanced light-based quantum technologies require advanced photonic components with complexities in techniques, design and material composition. In this PhD project you will combine nanofabrication, material science with principles of integrated photonic circuits to fabricate devices for light-based quantum computing systems controlling photonic and neutral atom qubit operations.

The development of this type of technology is crucial for the next generation of quantum operation and has great commercial interest. The skills and experience acquired during the scholarship will make you highly valuable for the semiconductor industry, and especially in the rapidly growing field of quantum technologies and data communication. The project with be closely connected to the qubit pilot lines at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Project (NQCP) which provides material stacks and design guidance.

Responsibilities and qualifications

We are looking for candidates with some prior experience in material science, semiconductor process engineering and/or photon integrated circuit fabrication.

Applicants should have:

• Experience with semiconductor fabrication processes/tools and working in a clean room facility (must).


• Experience in developing dry or wet etch processes for microchip fabrication (preferred)


• A general understanding of Photonic Waveguides, Photon Integrated Circuits, especially used for optical modulation (optional)


• Fluent in written and spoken English (must)

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment 

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education. 

Assessment

The assessment of the applicants will be made by Radu Malureanu, Stefan Schäffer and Stefano Paesani.

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.  Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The period of employment is 3 years. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 

Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Radu Malureanu [email protected]

DTU Nanolab, Assistant Professor Stefan Schäffer, [email protected], NQCP or Associate Professor Stefano Paesani, [email protected], NQCP. Professor Henri Jansen [email protected] DTU Nanolab.

You can read more about DTU Nanolab at DTU Nanolab and NQCP at Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme – University of Copenhagen

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 13 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time). 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)


• Curriculum vitae 


• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.