Doctoral Candidate for Broadband Packaging of SiC Optical Frequency Combs (Male/Female)

Swiss PIC AG - February 17, 2026

Exciting Opportunity for a Doctoral Candidate at Swiss PIC

Swiss PIC is offering a unique opportunity for a motivated student to join our team as a doctoral candidate. This position is part of the prestigious "Silicon Carbide Photonic Integrated Circuit (SiCPIC)" 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 focuses on developing next-generation photonic integrated circuit technologies by harnessing the distinctive optical properties of Silicon Carbide (SiC). A prime example is the SiC-based optical frequency comb (OFC), characterized by a low pumping threshold power, high energy efficiency, and broad wavelength coverage. The PhD candidate will collaborate with an international team of 15 doctoral students within a consortium that includes 13 leading academic and industrial organizations from Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, and Denmark, all aimed at overcoming current technological challenges in chip-scale OFC.

Project Description and Objectives

This PhD project is positioned at the convergence of individual OFC components and their integration into functional modules. The objective is to achieve a compact mid-infrared source with extensive wavelength coverage, representing a potential revolution in spectroscopy.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and Simulation: Develop and optimize low-loss coupling for broadband mid-infrared light.
  • Characterization: Conduct optical and electrical characterization of both OFC chips and pump lasers, including some processing of photonic devices in the cleanroom.
  • Technology Evaluation: Analyze alternative integration strategies to identify areas for improvement, incorporating iterative design and process refinements to enhance efficiency and reliability.
  • System-Level Performance Analysis: Assess the impact of the photonic package on overall system performance.

Desired Qualifications

We seek candidates who possess a passion for photonics and emerging technologies, along with a strong interest in integrated photonics. Applicants should demonstrate good communication skills in English, be motivated to learn, and able to work both independently and collaboratively. Candidates must have a two-year master's degree or a similar qualification equivalent to a two-year master's in photonics, electronics, applied physics, or a related field.

Benefits

As part of the Swiss PIC team 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 be immersed in a dynamic and international atmosphere. The institute boasts state-of-the-art facilities, advanced optical labs, and a collaborative environment with leading experts in photonics, computing, materials science, and quantum technologies. You will also become part of a vibrant community of PhD students at PSI, who frequently organize social events.

The position entails two secondments of three months each at DTU (Denmark) and Neoplas (Germany). Additionally, the candidate will participate in joint meetings with the other 14 PhD students in the network, including three specialized training schools. Academic enrollment will be at the Politecnico of Torino, requiring occasional visits to Torino for courses and supervisor meetings during the appointment.

Eligibility

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

The scholarship for the PhD is contingent on academic approval, and the candidate will enroll in one of the general degree programs at the Politecnico of Torino. For detailed information regarding enrollment requirements, please refer to the Politecnico di Torino Doctoral School website.

Diversity

Swiss PIC is committed to promoting diversity in the workplace. We foster an open, multicultural environment, enabling all genders to achieve a desired work-life balance. We encourage applications from all interested candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, disability, religion, or ethnic background. Our recruitment practices align with the European Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, which we invite all candidates to review.

How to Apply

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

If you have questions related to this position, please contact Dr. Peter Moselund, CTO of Swiss PIC.

Location : Villigen
Country : Switzerland

Application Form

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

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