Doctoral Candidate for Broadband Packaging of SiC Optical Frequency Combs / Doctoral Candidate for Broadband Packaging of SiC Optical Frequency Combs

Swiss PIC AG - February 23, 2026

Doctoral Candidate Opportunity at Swiss PIC

Swiss PIC invites motivated students to join our team as a doctoral candidate. This position is part of the "Silicon Carbide Photonic Integrated Circuit (SiCPIC)," a prestigious European Doctoral Network project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA), Grant Agreement No. 101227010.

Project Context

The SiCPIC project aims to develop next-generation photonic integrated circuit technologies by unlocking the unique optical properties of Silicon carbide (SiC). An example includes SiC-based optical frequency comb (OFC) technologies, which feature low pumping threshold power, high energy efficiency, and broad wavelength coverage. The PhD candidate will join an international team of 15 doctoral students across a consortium involving 13 leading academic and industrial players in Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, and Denmark to address current technological challenges that hinder chip-scale OFC development.

Project Description and Objectives

This PhD project sits at the intersection of individual OFC components and their assembly into a functional module. The goal is to achieve a compact mid-infrared source with wide wavelength coverage, which has the potential to revolutionize spectroscopy.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and Simulation: Develop and optimize low-loss coupling mechanisms supporting broadband mid-IR light.
  • Characterization: Conduct optical and electrical characterization of both the OFC chip and pump laser, with possible processing of photonic devices in the cleanroom.
  • Technology Evaluation: Analyze alternative integration strategies, identify areas for improvement, and implement iterative design and process refinements to enhance efficiency and reliability.
  • System-Level Performance Analysis: Assess the impact of the photonic package on overall performance.

Desired Qualifications

We are looking for candidates passionate about photonics and emerging technologies, with a strong interest in integrated photonics. Ideal applicants will possess:

  • Good communication skills in English.
  • A motivation to learn and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
  • A two-year master's degree or an equivalent qualification in photonics, electronics, applied physics, or a related field.

Benefits

Join a dynamic, international team at Swiss PIC, located on the campus of the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Villigen, Switzerland—the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences in the country. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, advanced optical labs, and a collaborative atmosphere with leading experts in photonics, computing, materials science, and quantum technologies. Furthermore, you will be a part of a large and active community of PhD students at PSI who organize various social events.

The position includes two secondments of three months each at DTU (Denmark) and Neoplas (Germany). The candidate will also participate in joint meetings with the other 14 PhD students in the network, including three dedicated training schools. Academic enrollment will be through the Politecnico of Torino, necessitating occasional visits to Turin for courses and supervisor meetings during employment.

Eligibility

As part of the criteria for this MSCA programme, candidates must not have resided or conducted their primary activities (work, studies, etc.) in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the three years leading up to the recruitment start date.

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programs at the Polytechnic University of Turin. For more information about enrollment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study program, please see the Politecnico di Torino Doctoral School website.

Diversity

Swiss PIC is committed to fostering diversity in the workplace. We offer an inclusive, multicultural environment, with flexible working arrangements that enable all genders to balance professional development with personal lives. We encourage all interested candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, disability, religion, or ethnic background, to apply online using the form below. Our recruitment follows the European Code of Conduct for Recruitment of Researchers, which all candidates are encouraged to study.

Application Process

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Location : Villigen
Country : Switzerland

Application Form

Please enter your information in the following form and attach your resume (CV)

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