PhD scholarship in Mid‑Infrared Frequency Comb Tech for High‑Sensitivity Sensing

If you are eager to build a career in next-generation laser and photonics technologies and are looking for an innovative, collaborative, and multidisciplinary environment to begin your PhD, this opportunity is for you. 

At DTU Electro, you will work on advanced ultrafast lasers and frequency comb technologies, including novel mid-infrared comb sources, highly sensitive detection techniques, laser and comb stabilization, and precision sensing applications. You will also benefit from strong collaborations with research groups at DTU as well as with international academic and industrial partners.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your main focus will be to strengthen the department’s expertise in ultrafast lasers and frequency combs while developing innovative solutions for high-sensitivity sensing applications.

Your responsibilities will follow the project scope described above and include laser design and development, nonlinear frequency conversion, frequency-comb stabilization and characterization, and the development of high-sensitivity detection techniques for comb-based applications. You will play a leading role in disseminating research results and actively participate in collaborative projects. You will also contribute to the supervision of BSc and MSc student projects related to your research.

We are looking for a creative, organized, and highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in ultrafast lasers, frequency combs, nonlinear optics, and laser-based sensing.

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 in physics, photonics, or a related field with excellent academic performance. A background in lasers and single-photon detection is an advantage. Strong written and oral communication skills, including proficiency in English, are required.

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 Asso. Prof. Ajanta Barh and Prof. Christian Pedersen.

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. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is 1 October 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Asso. Prof. Ajanta Barh, DTU Electro, orbit.dtu.dk/en/persons/ajanta-barh/.

You can read more about DTU Electro at electro.dtu.dk .

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 24 May 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
• Contact details of two referees

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 Electro** has more than 300 employees with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. Research is performed within nanophotonics, lasers, quantum photonics, optical sensors, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics, acoustics, power electronics, robotics, and autonomous systems. See more on* DTU Electro .

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.