PhD scholarship in Topological Photonics – DTU Electro

The Nanophotonics section at DTU Electro is seeking an excellent and highly motivated PhD student to be a part of a program on ‘Symmetry-guided discovery of topological photonics’, led by Senior Researcher Thomas Christensen, who moved from MIT to DTU in 2023.

Funded by a Villum Young Investigator program (link ), the project aims to uncover novel kinds of photonic topology using recent ideas and tools at the intersection of topological band theory, symmetry analysis, and group theory. You will work on developing and applying these ideas to discover new photonic phenomena and identify opportunities for proof-of-principles demonstrations with experimental collaborators at the department and internationally.

The program aims to advance the frontiers of theoretical photonics, deepen our understanding of fundamental wave-phenomena, and investigate the applications of topology in photonics.

Responsibilities
You will carry out theoretical and computational work in topological photonics and nanophononics. This includes numerical computation and theoretical analysis of the photonic properties of candidate designs, building effective and conceptual models to inform our theoretical understanding, and developing code and theory frameworks to address new topological phenomena. Depending on the project’s results, you will also be responsible for proposing and evaluating designs for experimental proof-of-principle demonstrations.

As part of the Danish PhD program, you will also take PhD courses, participate in teaching, conduct an external research stay, and disseminate your research through publications.

Qualifications
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.

The ideal candidate will have a background in photonics and condensed matter physics. The candidate should have a passion for theoretical and computational physics, excellent mathematical skills, and be self-motivated and naturally curious. Knowledge of and an interest in programming and open-source software is an advantage. Only candidates with a top GPA or a proven track-record of relevant research will be considered for an interview.

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 programs at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study program, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

Assessment
Candidates will be assessed by Senior Researcher Thomas Christensen and Prof. Jesper Mørk.

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.

The project will be supervised by Senior Researcher Thomas Christensen; as part of the project, the PhD student is expected to interface with and visit international collaborators.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is 3 years. Expected starting date: End of 2024 or early 2025, according to mutual agreement. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information 
For more information, please contact Thomas Christensen ([email protected] , tel.: +45 50 30 65 52).

You can read more about DTU Electro and the Nanophotonics Section here .

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 18 August 2024 (23:59 Danish time) . Applications may be assessed on a running basis.

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
• List of 1-2 academic references
• A writing sample, e.g., MSc thesis (or draft), BSc thesis, project report, publication, or similar illustrating your work and dissemination of it

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, race, disability, religion, or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. We value an inclusive and diverse environment and believe that a diversity of backgrounds and experiences is essential in fostering a creative and successful academic environment.

DTU Electro has 350 employees and span activities in physics, photonics, and electrical engineering. Research is performed within nanophotonics, lasers, quantum photonics, optical sensors, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, and bio-photonics.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.