Researcher for Ultralow-Noise Microwave Generation Using Optical Microcombs

This is NTNU

NTNU is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile and a focus in professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim.

At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 43,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world.

You can find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.

   

. Video: https://youtu.be/Xt-yHCN5QS0
About the Job

We are searching for a creative, skilled, and ambitious candidate for our activities on developing new solutions for ultra-low noise microwave synthesis based on nonlinear integrated photonics and microcomb technologies. 

Nonlinear integrated photonic circuits based on Lithium Tantalate (LT) thin films promise to revolutionize optical amplification, frequency comb generation, and microwave photonic applications with their unique combination of a strong Pockels nonlinearity, ultra-fast electro-optical modulation bandwidth, high power resilience, thermal stability, and low noise. Together with collaboration partners from Switzerland, it is our goal to develop novel ultra-low noise and high power hybrid integrated lasers and electro-optical frequency combs based on the thin-film lithium tantalate photonics platform. Using this platform, we aim to overcome limitations of contemporary microwave oscillators and extend the performance envelope of photonic integrated microwave generators based on a new electro-optical frequency division and phase noise cancellation scheme. 

The objective of this work is to develop and build a hybrid integrated photonic system for the generation of ultra-low noise microwaves based on a photonic integrated microcomb and a new electro-optical frequency division scheme. The successful candidate requires a deep knowledge of optical microcomb and integrated photonis as well as strong grasp of RF technology and microwave oscillators. They will develop optical design and nanofabrication concepts and methodology to realize the photonic waveguides and circuits. Furthermore, integration of photonic components with high power semiconductor lasers is planned. The candidate will report to the Head of Department. The supervisor for this position is Associate Professor Johann Riemensberger. 

Your immediate leader is Head of Department

Duties of the position

• System design and architecture of photonic integrated microwave system 
• Design and modelling of electronic and photonic subsystems and numerical simulations
• Photonic chip design and tape-out in collaboration with commercial foundry partners
• Collaboration with an international network of scientific partners
• Report research findings in international conferences and scientific articles
• Take part in the Electronic and Telecommunications PhD program at NTNU and fulfill the requirements for a PhD degree
   

Required selection criteria

• Masters or PhD in experimental and theoretical integrated photonics and nonlinear optics with a focus on microcombs
• Strong knowledge of microwave systems and technology with a focus on microwave oscillators
• Competence in numerical simulations of optical and/or electronic nanosystems
• Strong academics with a grade average of B or better in the masters thesis
• Documented good written and oral English.

Preferred selection criteria

• Experience with integrated photonics and hybrid optical integration experiments.
• Experience with electromagnetic simulation softwares for photonic and microwave systems (Lumerical, Comsol, CST or similar) and strong programming skills.
• A strong affinity for experimental laboratory work. 
• Ability to work outside of Norway for short exchange periods.
   

Personal characteristics

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education and experience, as well as personal suitability for this position which include:

• Willingness to learn new fields and adapt to a multidisciplinary research environment. 
• Strong motivation to excell in a cutting-edge technology field.
• Independent problem solver, with ability to use existing knowledge in new ways.
• Excellent communication skills

Emphasis will be placed on personal and interpersonal qualities.

We offer

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

The gross salary for the position of Researcher (code 1108, without a PhD degree) is normally paid from gross NOK 532 200 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. The gross salary for the position of Researcher (code 1109, with a PhD degree) is normally paid from gross NOK 594 500 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU

The position is subject to external funding.

It is a prerequisite that you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation must be in English.

Please note that your application will be considered based solely on information submitted by the application deadline. You must therefore ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience fulfil the criteria specified above.  If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result. 

The application must include (Departments to choose from the following): 

• CV, certificates and diplomas 
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 10 works) 
• A description of the academic/artistic works that you regard as most relevant and that you particularly want to be taken into account in the assessment 
• Details of the projects you have managed, with information about funding, duration and size 
• Names and contact information for three relevant referees 
   

Joint work will also be considered. If it is difficult to identify your specific input to a joint project, you must include evidence of your contributions.  

In the assessment of the best qualified applicant, we will emphasize education, experience and personal suitability as well as your motivation for the position. 

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA. This means that we pay special attention to the quality and professional breadth of these works. We also consider experience from research management and participation in research projects. We place great emphasis on your scientific work from the last five years.

General information

NTNU believes that inclusion and diversity is a strength. We want our faculty and staff to reflect Norway’s culturally diverse population and we continuously seek to hire the best minds. This enables NTNU to increase productivity and innovation, improve decision making processes, raise employee satisfaction, compete academically with global top-ranking institutions and carry out our social responsibilities within education and research. NTNU emphasizes accessibility and encourages qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender identity, ability status, periods of unemployment or ethnic and cultural background.  

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted. 

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you want to reserve yourself from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the reservation is not accepted.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Johann Riemensberger, email johann.riemensberger@ntnu.no  If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR e-mail: hr@ies.ntnu.no.

If you think this looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation. 

Application deadline: 02.04.25