Postdoc in Topological Photonics – DTU Electro – Kongens Lyngby, Denmark

The Nanophotonics section at DTU Electro is seeking a highly motivated postdoc to be a part of a new program on ‘Symmetry-guided discovery of topological photonics’, led by Senior Researcher Thomas Christensen, who moved from MIT to DTU in early 2023.

Funded by a Villum Young Investigator program (link), the project aims to uncover novel kinds of photonic topology using recent ideas and tools at the intersection of topological band theory, symmetry analysis, and group theory. You will work on developing and applying these ideas to discover new photonic phenomena, implement associated computational tooling, and to find opportunities for proof-of-principles demonstrations with experimental collaborators at the department and internationally. In particular, your work will focus on advancing the understanding of the interplay between photonic topology and symmetry in unexplored settings, such as with non-Hermicity, time-periodic driving, or magnetic symmetry.

The program aims to advance the frontiers of theoretical photonics, deepen our understanding of fundamental wave-phenomena, and investigate the applications of topology in photonics.

Responsibilities

You will carry out theoretical and computational work in topological photonics and nanophotonics. This will involve analyzing and computing topological properties of photonic structures, as well as planning and envisioning new research directions. The project is intersectional in that it includes approximately equal measure of analytical, computational, and exploratory work. You are expected to help advance the theoretical understanding, e.g., by development of new theoretical frameworks, applying existing frameworks, and implementing novel methodology in shared code repositories. You will also assist in instructing and guiding the research of MSc and PhD students.

Qualifications

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

Special consideration will be given to candidates with:

• A background in theoretical photonics or condensed matter physics
• First-rate mathematical ability
• Experience in programming and contributions to open-source software
• Excellent communication skills, e.g., demonstrated by a track-record of high-impact publications
• Interest in the supervision and mentoring of students

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.

The project will be supervised by Senior Researcher Thomas Christensen, and the postdoc is expected to interact and collaborate with his peer network, including at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and elsewhere in the US.

Salary and terms of employment 

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 2 years. The starting date is according to mutual agreement. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

For more information, please contact Thomas Christensen (thomas@dtu.dk, tel.: +45 50 30 65 52).

You can read more about DTU Electro and the Nanophotonics Section here.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure 

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 29 September 2023 (23:59 Danish time). Applications may be assessed on a running basis.

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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications
• List of 1-2 academic references (to contact for letter of recommendations)
• A writing sample, e.g., PhD thesis (or draft), thesis chapter, first-authored publication, or similar demonstrating your work and your dissemination of 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. We value an inclusive and diverse environment and believe that a diversity of backgrounds and experiences is essential in fostering a creative and successful academic environment.

DTU Electro has 270 employees and span activities in physics, photonics, and electrical engineering. Research is performed within nanophotonics, lasers, quantum photonics, optical sensors, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, and bio-photonics.

Technology for people

DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programs, 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.