The Machine Learning in Photonic Systems group at DTU Electro at the Technical University of Denmark is seeking a candidate for a PhD position to research multiplexing in photonic integrated circuits for enhancing computing efficiency through parallelism.
The PhD student will participate in an international team in an EU-funded Doctoral Network project called MINDnet. The project consists of 15 Ph.D. students at 7 universities, one research center and two companies. The project has partners from eight different EU countries. All 15 Ph.d. projects are within the overall theme of neuromorphic computing and analog signal processing, targeting applications in the fields of communication, sensing, geolocalization, space and biomedical.
This Ph.D. project will take place at DTU Electro. Apart from the time at DTU there will be secondments of minimum 3 months at Technical University of Illmenau (DE), HPE (BE) and University of Trento (IT). There will also be regular meetings with the other 14 Ph.D. students in the doctoral network, including 4 training schools and two workshops.
As a participant of the project, the PhD student will become part of a team at DTU with numerical and experimental expertise in photonic computing. The activities within the project will benefit from synergies with other projects in the group as well as with other activities at the department. The main supervisor will be Assoc. Prof. Francesco Da Ros, DTU Electro.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The exponential surge in artificial intelligence (AI), internet traffic, and online services demands a revolutionary leap in devices, computing architecture, and integration technologies. As digital computing struggles to keep up with the growing demand, in MINDnet will investigate neuromorphic computing as a promising solution to support such a demand by getting inspired by the brain’s powerful and energy-efficient processing capabilities. MINDnet aims at addressing the challenge through a holistic optimization - from individual computing devices to the overall architecture, including a focus on applications, and training methods - across multiple technological platforms - photonics, electronics, biological neurons. Photonics is a promising platform however it suffers from relatively energy-inefficient nonlinearities, e.g. compared to electronics. Resonant structures can enhance the nonlinear interaction and therefore increase the energy efficiency of the process.
This PhD project aims to get an in-depth analysis of the potential of coupled photonic resonant circuits for optical computing.
The project will consist among others of the following tasks:
- Investigate the links between nonlinear dynamics and computing metrics in micro-ring resonators and coupled ring-resonator architectures
- Evaluate the number and spatial distribution of coupled cavities for photonic reservoir computing
- Validate the analysis on a small scale-circuit (< 10 coupled cavities)
The doctoral candidate (DC) is expected to travel to network partners under three secondments for a typical total duration of 2-3 months. Additionally, the DC is expected to participate in outreach activities including, but not limited to, YouTube videos, social media updates, participation in public events and campaigns, as well as dissemination to popular press. Furthermore, due to the mobility rules of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie program, the applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.
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.
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 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
.
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.
The salary is based on seniority with the minimum wage, which is DKK 29.691,75 monthly for the base salary and 1.551,00 for the PhD supplement. Additionally, pension paid by DTU will be added.
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
Further information may be obtained from Assoc. Prof. Francesco Da Ros (fdro@dtu.dk
).
You can read more about DTU Electro at www.electro.dtu.dk/english.
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 15 March 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
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.
The recruitment is taking place following the European Code of Conduct for Recruitment of Researchers, which all candidates are encouraged to study.
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.
