ETH Zurich is inviting applications for a fully funded Doctoral Student position in Photonic Fluids and Frequency Combs at the Institute for Quantum Electronics. This research project explores new regimes of frequency comb physics and liquid-like light in fast-gain semiconductor lasers, bridging semiconductor device fabrication, precision optics experiments, and nonlinear dynamics theory.
Position Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | Doctoral Student (PhD Position) |
| Host Institution | ETH Zurich |
| Department/Institute | Institute for Quantum Electronics |
| Research Area | Photonic Fluids, Frequency Combs & Semiconductor Laser Physics |
| Location | Zurich, Switzerland |
| Employment Type | 100%, Fixed-term |
| Application Deadline | November 17 |
Designation
Doctoral Student (PhD Candidate) – 100% fixed-term position.
Research Area
The research focuses on Photonics, Quantum Electronics, and Laser Physics, specifically investigating:
- Open-system physics, fluctuations, and dynamics of liquid light.
- Frequency comb physics in semiconductor lasers.
- Nonlinear laser dynamics and light–matter interactions.
- Device fabrication, optical precision measurements, and numerical modeling.
Location
ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Scholarship / Position Description
The successful doctoral researcher will work across the full experimental and theoretical cycle:
- Device Fabrication: Designing and fabricating semiconductor photonic devices using state-of-the-art cleanroom processes, followed by detailed electrical and optical characterization.
- Experimental Work: Building and operating advanced laser and optical measurement setups to study temporal dynamics, fluctuations, coherence, and controlled light–matter interactions.
- Modeling and Simulation: Developing theoretical and numerical models to describe nonlinear laser dynamics, interpret experimental observations, and guide device engineering.
- Work Environment: Access to world-class cleanrooms, advanced photonics laboratories, and an interdisciplinary team at one of Europe’s top science and technology universities.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent) with a strong background in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a closely related discipline.
- A genuine interest in combining cleanroom fabrication, lab-based optical experimentation, and theoretical/numerical simulations.
- Prior experience with cleanroom processes, optical experiments, laser systems, or numerical modeling is advantageous, though experience with this specific platform is not strictly required.
- Proficiency in written and spoken academic English.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively online through the ETH Zurich job portal. Applications sent via email or post will not be accepted. Applicants are requested to submit a single merged PDF document named in the format YYYYMMDD_LastNameFirstName_application (e.g., 20251010_DoeJane_application), organized in the following order:
- Cover Letter: Detailing your research motivation, specific interests, and relevant past experience.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Complete academic and research resume.
- Academic Transcripts: Official copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree transcripts (in English).
- References: Contact details (email and direct phone number) for three professional referees.
- Writing Sample: A recent publication or thesis demonstrating academic writing and reasoning.
For inquiries regarding the scientific scope of the position, contact Alexander Dikopoltsev at adikopoltsev@ethz.ch (inquiries only; no applications via email).
Last Date for Apply
The closing date for applications is November 17.
Apply Link
To submit your application, please visit the official ETH Zurich job portal:
Apply Online at ETH Zurich Job Portal
