Postdoctoral positions in applications of microcombs

Would you like to help transform chip-scale frequency combs into technologies for future communication and precision-timing systems? Join the Integrated Ultrafast Photonics Laboratory at Chalmers and work in a collaborative research environment at the intersection of integrated photonics, high-speed electronics, and precision measurement. About us The Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience advances the frontiers in quantum technology, nanoscience, photonics and future electronic systems - for technical and societal development. Our cross-disciplinary approach enables exciting collaborations in academy, industry and society, and is a driving force for innovations, results and breakthroughs. We offer a vibrant, international research environment and direct access to world-class nanofabrication facilities. The Photonics Laboratory is a dynamic research environment where light-based technologies drive innovation in communication, sensing, and computing. With expertise in optoelectronic devices, ultrafast optics, and fiber optical communication - from long-haul transmission to datacenter interconnects - we tackle real-world challenges at every scale. We’re a collaborative research team, where PhD students and postdocs work alongside senior scientists to shape the future of photonics. About the research project The ERC Advanced Grant project ProSync aims to bridge the performance gap between integrated microcombs and state-of-the-art laser frequency combs. By combining ultralow-loss silicon nitride photonics, heterogeneous integration, and advanced system-level experiments, the project will develop scalable microcomb technologies for optical communications, synchronization, and precision metrology. We are recruiting for two postdoctoral positions with complementary research profiles:

• Microcombs for high-speed optical communications: This position will develop microcomb-based multiwavelength sources for high-capacity transmission and investigate their integration with silicon-photonic transmitter and receiver devices. The research will include coherent wavelength-division multiplexing, optoelectronic synchronization, and high-speed transceiver experiments.
• Microcombs for optical clocks and precision metrology: This position will develop octave-spanning, self-referenced microcombs that connect ultrastable optical references to microwave frequencies. The research will address optical-frequency division, frequency-comb stabilization, phase and timing noise, and metrological characterization, laying the foundation for integrated optical-clock and precision-timing technologies.

Who we are looking for The following requirements are mandatory:

• A doctoral degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a closely related field, or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Documented experimental research experience in at least one of the two research profiles:
• fiber-optic communication systems, such as coherent optical communications, high-speed transceivers, or digital signal processing; or
• precision metrology and ultrafast optics, such as laser-frequency stabilization, optical frequency combs, optical-frequency division, or optical clocks.
• A strong research record demonstrated through peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, conduct, and analyse experimental research with a high degree of independence.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.

The following experience will strengthen your application: For both positions:

• A strong publication record in relevant peer-reviewed journals, including publications demonstrating a substantial individual contribution.
• Experience with scientific programming, experimental automation, and data analysis using, for example, Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW.
• Experience with numerical modelling of nonlinear or integrated photonic systems.
• Experience supervising Bachelor’s or Master’s students.
• Experience in teaching at university level.
• Experience working with integrated photonic devices and their experimental characterization.
• It is highly meritorious if the doctoral degree has been obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.

For the position in optical communications:

• Experience with coherent optical transmission, wavelength-division multiplexing, high-speed modulation, or digital signal processing.
• Experience with silicon-photonic design tools and the characterization of silicon-photonic transmitter or receiver devices.
• Experience participating in multi-project-wafer tape-outs.
• Experience with FPGA-based or other real-time digital transceiver platforms.

For the position in optical clocks and precision metrology:

• Experience with optical frequency-comb stabilization, self-referencing, or optical-frequency division.
• Experience with ultrastable lasers, optical clocks, low-noise microwave generation, or precision frequency measurements.
• Experience measuring phase noise, frequency instability, or timing jitter.
• Experience with electronic feedback control, optical phase locking, or automated stabilization of complex optical experiments.

You do not need to meet every meritorious qualification. We welcome applicants whose experience aligns strongly with either of the two research profiles. What you will do Depending on your expertise and the position for which you are selected, you will:

• Conduct experimental research on microcomb technologies within the ERC Advanced Grant project ProSync.
• Independently plan, build, and carry out advanced photonic experiments, and analyse and interpret the resulting data.
• For the optical-communications position, develop microcomb-based multiwavelength sources, integrate and evaluate them with silicon-photonic transmitter and receiver devices, and perform high-speed coherent transmission and transceiver experiments.
• For the optical-clocks and precision-metrology position, develop octave-spanning and self-referenced microcombs, implement optical-frequency division and stabilization, and characterize frequency stability, phase noise, and timing jitter.
• Develop numerical models and experimental-control or data-analysis software where relevant.
• Collaborate closely with researchers working in integrated photonics, ultrafast optics, optical communications, microwave photonics, and precision metrology.
• Document and communicate your results through scientific publications, international conferences, and project meetings.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of shared experimental infrastructure and research methods.
• Supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students and, to a limited extent, doctoral students.
• Contribute to teaching at Bachelor’s or Master’s level, depending on departmental needs.

The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector. Contract terms The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension. The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn. What we offer

• As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in. Application procedure The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files. CV

• A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.
• Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience.

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself. Describe which of the two projects you are applying for and why
• A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.
• An outline of your future goals and research focus.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. A background check may be conducted as part of the application process. Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview. We welcome your application no later than 30th Of November, 2026 For questions, please contact: Victor Torres Company Professor torresv@chalmers.se We look forward to your application! * Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. * Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society. Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.