Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience
Institute:
Chalmers University
Country:
Sweden
Research Field:
Physics, Nanotechnology, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, photonics
Posted Date:
Feb 20, 2026
Deadline:
Mar 30, 2026
Offer Period:
4 Years
Offer Start Date:
NA
PhD Position in integrated photonics
Description:
About the research project
- Join a cutting-edge PhD project within a European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant on integrated optical clocks and photonic synchronization. You will develop and integrate optical amplifiers on chip to boost the performance of microresonator frequency combs. The goal: compact, energy-efficient photonic systems for precision timing, datacenters, and future communication technologies.
What you will do
- Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate School of Microtechnology and Nanoscience
- Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing
- The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours
- Design, testing and nanofabrication of integrated optical amplifiers
- Explore and contribute with new research ideas to advance the frontier of knowledge in photonics
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
- To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a
- Master’s degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits* in Physics, Nanotechnology, Electrical Engineering,
- Mechanical Engineering or similar
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- Programming skills with either Matlab or Python
Preferred Qualification:
- Experience in nanotechnology (cleanroom)
- Experience in measurement, design or analysis of integrated photonic devices
- Knowledge of specific software tools in photonic integration, such as Lumerical or COMSOL
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
- The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
- The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.
- Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.
Benefits:
- A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).
- As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
- A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
- Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.
Application Process:
Documents Required:
- CV
- Personal letter
- A brief introduction about yourself.
- A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.
- Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts.
The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.
- A brief introduction about yourself.
- A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.
- Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts.
How to apply:
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
- The Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience advances the frontiers in quantum technology, nanoscience, photonics and future electronic systems - for technical and societal development. Our cross-disciplinary approach gives interesting collaborations in academy, industry and society, and is a driving force for innovations, results and breakthroughs. We offer a vibrant, international research environment and direct access to world-class nanofabrication facilities.
- The Photonics Laboratory is a dynamic research environment where light-based technologies drive innovation in communication, sensing, and computing. With expertise in optoelectronic devices, ultrafast optics, and fiber optical communication - from long-haul transmission to datacenter interconnects - we tackle real-world challenges at every scale. We’re a collaborative research team, where PhD students and postdocs work alongside senior scientists to shape the future of photonics.
Explore Other Similar Positions:
You may also be interested in the following PhD positions. These opportunities are currently open across universities and research institutes worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a PhD position?
PhD positions are open to candidates who hold, or will soon complete, a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a related field. Specific academic requirements may vary depending on the institution and research project.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most PhD positions are open to international applicants. Universities usually provide support for visa applications and residence permits, subject to national regulations.
Is a Master’s degree mandatory for applying to a PhD?
In most cases, a completed Master’s degree is required. However, some institutions may consider exceptional candidates with strong academic backgrounds or integrated Master–PhD programs.
What is the typical duration of a PhD program?
A PhD program typically lasts 3 to 5 years, depending on the country, funding scheme, and research field. Some programs may allow extensions under specific circumstances.
Is the PhD position fully funded?
Most advertised PhD positions are fully funded and include a monthly salary or stipend. Funding details, tuition coverage, and benefits are usually specified in the job description.
Are PhD candidates considered students or employees?
This depends on the country and institution. In many European countries, PhD candidates are employed as staff members, while in others they may be registered as students receiving a stipend.
Are teaching responsibilities included in PhD positions?
Teaching duties vary by institution. Some PhD positions include teaching or lab supervision, while others are research-only. The exact expectations are described in each job advertisement.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.