PhD Monitor
/Detail
Optics and Photonics● OpenOpen until filledPreview

Doctoral Position in Experimental Ultrafast Optics and Photonics

Fully funded 4-year PhD position to develop ultrafast pump-probe experiments and terahertz subwavelength waveguides at ETH Zurich.

Best for:Best for physics or electrical engineering master's graduates with a strong interest in experimental optics, spectroscopy, and Python or MATLAB programming.

ETH Zürich · Zurich, Switzerland · R1 · First-stage researcher
More professors at ETH Zürich
Ultrafast OpticsTerahertz SpectroscopyNanophotonicsWaveguide EngineeringLight-Matter Interaction
Deadline
Until filled
rolling
Funding
Salaried
4 years
Start date
October 2026
Fixed-term
Location
Zurich
Switzerland

Overview

The Ultrafast Dynamics Group at ETH Zurich invites applications for a doctoral position focused on experimental ultrafast optics and photonics. Operating as part of the collaborative research project Shaping Time-Interfaces with Terahertz Subwavelength Confinement, the successful candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. Steven Johnson and Dr. Martina Basini. The research combines optical pump-probe spectroscopy, broadband terahertz techniques, and nanophotonics to investigate time-varying electromagnetic media and photonic time crystals. The candidate is expected to build novel experimental platforms, perform advanced data analysis, and collaborate closely with interdisciplinary research partners.

PhDUltrafast OpticsTerahertzPhotonicsExperimental PhysicsWaveguidesETH Zurich

What you'll do

  • Develop and implement novel ultrafast optical pump-probe experiments
  • Generate and perform phase-resolved detection of broadband terahertz pulses
  • Characterize subwavelength terahertz waveguides in coordination with project partners
  • Design and build advanced optical instrumentation and experimental methodologies
  • Conduct data analysis and numerical modeling of light-matter interactions
  • Collaborate closely with researchers across participating ETH research groups

Requirements

Degree required: Master's degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline

Degree offered: PhD

Language: English; excellent written and spoken proficiency required

Instruction: English

Required skills
  • Strong interest and background in experimental physics
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Enthusiasm for developing advanced experimental techniques
  • Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar environments
  • Excellent written and spoken English proficiency
Nice to have
Prior research experience in ultrafast opticsHands-on experience with terahertz spectroscopy

Funding & terms

Type
Salaried
Amount
—
Duration
4 years
Programme
ETH Collaborative Grant Shaping Time-Interfaces with Terahertz Subwavelength Confinement
ETH Zurich

How to apply

Interested candidates must submit their application exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal. The application package should include a motivation letter, curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, and contact details for two references. Applications submitted via email or postal services will not be reviewed.

Documents required
  • Motivation letter
  • CV
  • Academic transcripts
  • Contact details of two references
↗Apply on site

Contact

SJ
Prof.
Steven Johnson
Department of Physics
Lab
Ultrafast Dynamics Group
ETH Zürich
ETH Collaborative Grant Shaping Time-Interfaces with Terahertz Subwavelength ConfinementSwitzerland
See the full position

Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.

No card · 10 free AI match scores
Ready to apply?
Open this position on its website, or save it for later.