PhD Candidate III-Phosphide Integrated Photonics

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About the position

The advancement of laser, optical amplifier, and advanced photonic integrated light source technology is a cornerstone for the application of optics and photonics in a manifold of research and technology fields ranging from optical fiber communications, metrology, environmental and medical sensing and imaging, and for applications in fundamental sciences such as laser spectroscopy. Establishing a new paradigm for continuous- and travelling-wave nonlinear integrated photonics with hybrid integrated pump laser sources facilitates the exploration of new applications of optical sources, in particular for quantum-enhanced metrology and spectroscopy, which so far have struggled to transition from the lab to the field. The performance envelope of the nonlinear optical system is intrinsically linked to the properties of the active nonlinear material. Therefore, much of the research in nonlinear integrated photonics focusses on the exploration of numerous different material systems ranging from III-V, diamond, silicon carbide, doped glass, etc., that overcome the limitations of traditional nonlinear platforms like lithium niobate, silicon or silicon nitride, always with the goal of unlocking a stronger nonlinearity while reducing optical propagation loss.

The exceptionally strong second-order nonlinearity (χ(2)) and third-order nonlinearity (χ(3)) of GaP and InGaP[1] has facilitated the observation of dissipative Kerr solitons[2] and ultra-broadband optical parametric amplification [3]. Continuous-wave operation, high efficiency and low power operation unlocks the possibility to co-integrate optical pump lasers and optical waveguides using hybrid integration techniques with compact semiconductor light sources.

[1] Wilson, D. J., Schneider, K., Hönl, S., Anderson, M., Baumgartner, Y., Czornomaz, L., ... & Seidler, P. (2020). Integrated gallium phosphide nonlinear photonics. Nature Photonics, 14(1), 57-62.

[2] Nardi, A., Davydova, A., Kuznetsov, N., Anderson, M. H., Möhl, C., Riemensberger, J., ... & Kippenberg, T. J. (2023). Soliton microcomb generation in a III-V photonic crystal cavity. arXiv preprint arXiv:2304.12968.

[3] Kuznetsov, N., Nardi, A., Riemensberger, J., Davydova, A., Churaev, M., Seidler, P., & Kippenberg, T. J. (2025). An ultra-broadband photonic-chip-based parametric amplifier. Nature, 1-7.
 

About the project

The project focuses on developing new material and waveguide design platforms for photonic integrated circuits based on III-Phosphide materials such as gallium phosphide (GaP) and indium gallium phosphide (In0.49Ga0.51P). In this project, we aim to overcome limitations of current technologies based on silicon, silicon nitride, and lithium niobate (cf. Figure 2). by exploring new ideas for optical phase matching and dispersion engineering to enable to develop novel light sources for classical applications such as optical amplification and quantum applications such as ultrabroadband optical squeezing and entanglement and push the frontier of single photon nonlinearities.

The candidate will report to the Head of Department. The supervisor for this position is Associate Professor Johann Riemensberger.

Duties of the position

• Numerical simulations of nonlinear integrated photonic waveguides and microresonators
• Photonic chip design and optical testing
• Collaborate with an international network of scientific partners
• Report research findings in international conferences and scientific articles
• Take part in the Electronic and Telecommunications PhD program and fulfill the requirements for a PhD degree

Work duties may change after employment

Required selection criteria

The PhD-position’s main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is that you have completed a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in photonics, materials science, physics, electrical engineering, or nanotechnology (and other relevant disciplines) with focus on photonics. You must have grade B or better in terms of NTNU's grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you are unable to meet these criteria you may be considered only if you can document that you are particularly suitable for education leading to a PhD degree.

• Strong experimental and/or theoretical background in (integrated) photonics, optical physics, or nanotechnology & nanofabrication.
• Documented good written and oral English.
• Competence in numerical simulations of optical and/or electronic nanosystems.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's Doctoral Programme.
   

PLEASE NOTE: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see paragraph “About the application”.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with Regulations for the Universities and Colleges Act (university and colleges regulations) and Regulations for the degrees philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) and philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) in artistic development work at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) for general criteria for the position.

As a result of the new Act relating to universities and university colleges with associated regulations of 01.08.2024, NTNU has, during a transitional period (for decisions on employment in recruitment positions before 1 August 2025), chosen to use the terms of employment in the old regulations of 31 January 2006 no. 102 on terms of employment for positions such as postdoctoral fellow, research fellow, scientific assistant and specialist candidate

Preferred selection criteria

• Experience with electromagnetic simulation softwares (Lumerical, Comsol, CST or similar) and strong programming skills.
• A strong affinity for experimental laboratory work.
• Ability to work outside of Norway for short exchange periods.

Personal characteristics

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education and experience, as well as personal suitability for this position which include:

• Willingness to learn new fields and adapt to a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Problem solver, with ability to use existing knowledge in new ways.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Work independently.

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

We offer

(Evaluate and remove/add what is relevant for the position.)

• An exciting job with an important mission in society
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
• Career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
• Working capital that can be used to implement the project
• Mentor programme as a new employee at NTNU
• As a public employee, you have favourable benefits as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)

You will be employed as a PhD Candidate at NTNU and will have access to employee benefits and discounts. 

Diversity

Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population's collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world and our values ​​are creative, critical, constructive and respectful. We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender-balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals. 

We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to even better problem solving of our societal mission in research and education. 

If you think this position is relevant and interesting, we encourage you to apply, regardless of gender, functional ability and cultural background, or whether you have been out of work for a period of time.

At NTNU we want to increase the proportion of women in scientific positions. We have a number of measures to promote equality. 

Salary and conditions

In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, your gross salary will normally be NOK  536 200,-  per annum depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary. 

The employment period is 3 years. with a possible extension to 4 years with 25 % of career promotion work.

For employment as a PhD Candidate, it is a prerequisite that you gain admission to the PhD programme in electronics and telecommunications within three months of your employment contract start date, and that you participate in an organized doctoral programme throughout the period of employment.

As an employee at NTNU, it is important that you keep yourself up to date with academic and organizational changes and adapt to them.

For the necessary academic and social interaction, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis.

The appointment is carried out in accordance withthe principles of the State Employees Act, and Export control(legislation that regulates the export of knowledge, technologyand services). Candidates who, after assessment of the application and attachments, are considered to bein conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed.

About the application

The attachments (including a description of your scientific work) must accompany the application as these documents form the basis of the application assessment. The documents must be in English. 

Please note: the application will only be assessed on the basis of the information we have received by the application deadline. Therefore, make sure that your application clearly shows how your skills and experience meet the criteria described above. The application and all attachments must be sent electronically via Jobbnorge.no. If you are invited to an interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas upon request.

The application must include: 

• Transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
• CV.
• Copy of Master's thesis. If you have recently submitted your Master's thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed Master's degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• Short letter of motivation (400 words/1 page).
• Possibly publications etc. other relevant research work.
• Possibly certificates.
• Names and contact information of three relevant referees.
• Publications or other research work, if relevant.
   

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both Bachelor's and Master's education, in addition to other higher education. If your institution uses “diploma supplement” (normal for most European institutions), you must attach this. A description of the documentation required can also be found here. If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), please attach this as well. 

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint work, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

When assessing the best qualified, we emphasize necessary qualifications such as education, experience and personal suitability. Motivation for the position, ambitions and potential for research will also count when assessing the candidates.

NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and has committed itself to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment and CoARA (responsible assessment of research and recognition of a greater breadth of academic contributions in accordance with NTNU's social mission).

General information

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to be exempt from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the exemption is not granted.

If you think this position looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, you are welcome to apply.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Johann Riemensberger, email johann.riemensberger@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR e-mail: hr@ies.ntnu.no.

Application deadline: 31.05.2025

For practical information about working at NTNU, please visit this webpage. 

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the tech capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.