PhD position – High‑speed spatial light modulator based on MEMS metasurface i Aarhus

Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Electrical and Computer Engineering programme. The position is available from 01 September 2026 or later. You can submit your application via the link under 'how to apply'.

Title:
High speed spatial light modulator based on MEMS integrated metasurface

Research area and project description:
Spatial light modulators (SLM), an array of modulators, are devices that can spatially control light intensity, phase, or polarization. These devices are used in applications such as holographic displays, augmented reality (AR), and bio-imaging, that require dynamical shaping of the light beam. Commercial SLMs are usually based on liquid crystal (LC) or digital micro-mirror device (DMD), and their operation speed is only up to few kHz. While, high speed SLM are widely desired in cutting-edge applications across quantum technologies, optical imaging, optical communication, laser pulse shaping, autonomous vehicle ranging (LiDAR), etc. This project will combine MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) and metasurfaces to develop such SLM devices.

For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. Please simply copy the project description above and upload it as a PDF in the application.

Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants must have a relevant master’s degree (120 ECTS), or equivalent, or receive the master’s degree before starting. The master’s degree shall be in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Physics, or Optical Engineering. It is preferred that the applicant’s bachelor’s degree is in the above fields as well.

The project entails numerical simulations, micro- and nanofabrication (cleanroom), and electrical and optical characterization. The applicants should be willing to work with a wide range of experimental and theoretical topics. The applicants shall be able to work independently, as well as in a group.

The project is heavily focused on cleanroom work. Applicants shall have a passion in micro- and nanofabrication work. Prior cleanroom work experience is preferred, but not mandatory.

Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Finlandsgade 22, 8200 Aarhus N., Denmark.

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information regarding the PhD position are invited to contact:

• Associate Professor Pernille Klarskov Hansen (main supervisor)
• Assistant Professor Zhengli Han (co-supervisor)

For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide. If answers cannot be found there, please contact:

• admission.gradschool.tech@au.dk

How to apply:
Please follow this link to submit your application.

Application deadline is 31 March 2026 23:59 CEST.
Preferred starting date is 01 September 2026.

Please note:

• Only documents received prior to the application deadline will be evaluated. Thus, documents sent after deadline will not be taken into account.
• The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
• Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.