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)" project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA), Grant Agreement No. 101227010.
The SiCPIC project aims to develop next-generation photonics integrated circuit technologies by harnessing the unique optical properties of Silicon Carbide (SiC). One of the innovative outcomes we anticipate is a SiC-based optical frequency comb (OFC) that features low pumping threshold power, high energy efficiency, and broad wavelength coverage. As a PhD candidate, you will become part of an international consortium, collaborating with 15 doctoral students and 13 leading academic and industrial partners from Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, and Denmark to address the technological challenges currently hindering chip-scale OFC development.
This PhD project is focused on the integration of individual OFC components into a functional module. Currently, mid-infrared OFC light source packaging and applications are yet to be fully demonstrated. The goal is to develop a compact mid-infrared source with extensive wavelength coverage that could revolutionize spectroscopy.
We seek candidates who are passionate about photonics and emerging technologies, with a keen interest in integrated photonics. Applicants should possess strong communication skills in English, a desire to learn, and an ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Candidates must hold a two-year master's degree or equivalent in photonics, electronics, applied physics, or a related field.
You will become part of a dynamic, international team based at Swiss PIC, situated on the campus of the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Villigen, Switzerland. This is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland, offering state-of-the-art facilities, advanced optical labs, and a collegial atmosphere with leading experts in photonics, computing, materials science, and quantum technologies. You will also join a vibrant community of PhD students at PSI who organize numerous social events.
The position includes two secondments of three months each, planned at DTU (Denmark) and Neoplas (Germany). The candidate will also take part in regular meetings with fellow PhD students in the network and attend three dedicated training schools. Academic enrollment will be through the Politecnico of Torino, requiring occasional visits to Torino for courses and supervisor meetings throughout the employment period.
Swiss PIC is committed to promoting diversity in the workplace. We offer an open and multicultural environment, with flexible working arrangements that allow individuals of all genders to find a suitable balance between professional development and personal life. We encourage applications from all interested candidates, irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion, or ethnic background. The recruitment process adheres to the European Code of Conduct for Recruitment of Researchers, which all candidates are encouraged to review.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Dr. Peter Moselund, CTO of Swiss PIC, through the JOIN portal.
To meet the criteria for the MSCA programme, the candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activities (work, studies, etc.) in Switzerland for over 12 months in the three years preceding the recruitment start date.
The scholarship for the PhD program is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programs at the Polytechnic University of Turin. For information regarding enrollment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study program, please visit the Politecnico di Torino Doctoral School website.
The deadline for application submissions is the end of February 2026, and we aim to identify our preferred applicant by the end of March 2026. The formal start date for the three-year PhD enrollment is November 1, 2026, as dictated by the rules of Politecnico di Torino, but an internship at Swiss PIC in the preceding months is encouraged.
We welcome researchers regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, political views, language, age, or nationality. Applications from highly qualified candidates outside the EU will be considered equitably alongside other applicants. The integration of refugees is prioritized by the EU, and we strive to provide equal opportunities for researchers whose scientific careers have been interrupted. To ensure gender balance in the project, preference will be given to applicants who will help achieve a balanced gender distribution within the Network, should two candidates be equally qualified.
Location : Villigen
Country : Switzerland