Two Postdocs in Microcombs for Optical Communications and Optical Clocks, Chalmers University of Technology (ERC ProSync)

Job Description

These two postdoc positions in integrated photonics at Chalmers work on microcombs. A microcomb is a frequency comb made on a chip. One post uses microcombs for fast optical communications. The other uses them for optical clocks and precision measurement.

At a glance

• Positions: Two postdocs (reference REF 2026-0463)
• Where: Integrated Ultrafast Photonics Laboratory, Photonics Laboratory, Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), Gothenburg
• Project: ERC Advanced Grant ProSync
• Duration: 2 years, full time, with a possible 1-year extension
• Contact: Prof. Victor Torres Company
• Apply: 30 November 2026

About the microcomb postdoc projects

• Communications post: build microcomb multi-wavelength sources for high-capacity links
• Communications post: combine them with silicon-photonic transmitters and receivers, and run coherent WDM and transceiver experiments
• Clocks post: build octave-spanning, self-referenced microcombs that link optical references to microwaves
• Clocks post: work on optical-frequency division, comb stabilisation, phase noise and timing jitter
• Both: plan and run experiments, write models and control software, and publish
• Both: supervise BSc and MSc students, and some PhD students, and teach a little

Why this role matters

Lab frequency combs won a Nobel Prize but fill a whole optical table. Putting them on silicon nitride chips could bring them into data centres and portable clocks. ProSync aims to close the gap between chip combs and the best lab combs, which is a live question in photonics.

What Chalmers is looking for

• A PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics or a close field, by the time the hiring decision is made
• Documented lab experience in fibre-optic communications (coherent systems, transceivers or DSP) or in precision metrology and ultrafast optics (laser stabilisation, frequency combs, optical clocks)
• A strong record of peer-reviewed papers
• Ability to plan, run and analyse experiments with a high degree of independence
• Strong English and good teamwork in an international group

Nice to have

• A PhD earned within three years of the deadline
• Python, MATLAB or LabVIEW for automation and data analysis; modelling of nonlinear or integrated photonics
• Communications post: coherent transmission, silicon-photonic design tools, multi-project-wafer tape-outs, FPGA transceivers
• Clocks post: comb self-referencing, ultrastable lasers, phase-noise measurement, optical phase locking
• Experience supervising students and teaching

Pay and location

The ad does not state a salary. The contract is full time for two years, with a possible one-year extension. You must be in Gothenburg for the whole job. A valid Swedish residence permit is needed by the start date, or the offer may be withdrawn. Chalmers may run a background check.

How to apply

Apply through the official Chalmers page. The closing date is 30 November 2026. Apply online with a CV (with full publication and teaching lists) and a personal letter. Email applications are not considered.

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