DTU Physics seeks a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher for a 2-year position in experimental nanophotonics and optical materials discovery. The goal is to identify, characterize and utilize emerging optical materials with high refractive index and low losses, that can enable more efficient light trapping in nanostructured thin-film solar cells.
Your role will focus on the experimental determination of the optical properties of promising materials identified in collaboration with researchers across the project. A central activity will be to develop and apply imaging ellipsometry for measuring the complex and potentially anisotropic refractive indices of microscopic crystals and thin films. The investigated materials may span several material classes, including van der Waals materials, depending on the candidates emerging from computational screening and experimental synthesis.
You will combine ellipsometry with optical spectroscopy of materials and resonant nanostructures to establish reliable connections between microscopic material properties and nanophotonic response. The resulting measurements will contribute to a comprehensive optical materials dataset that supports photonic design and AI-guided materials discovery within the project.
Your main tasks will be:
The ideal candidate has a strong experimental background in nanophotonics or optical spectroscopy, preferably involving resonant nanostructures, together with an interest in the microscopic and solid-state origins of optical material properties.
You will be part of the LightTrap project, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, which aims to use AI to accelerate the discovery of new optical materials and nanostructures that enhance the performance of thin-film solar cells. LightTrap covers the entire discovery chain, from ab initio calculations and photonic simulations to materials synthesis and nanostructuring, all guided by advanced AI algorithms to optimize and understand the optical properties of light-trapping surfaces. (more information can be found in the following News post).
You will work closely with colleagues both within the 2D Materials Engineering and Physics (2DPHYS) and Computational Atomic-scale Materials Design (CAMD) sections at DTU Physics as well as at DTU Compute and DTU Nanolab.
As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.
The period of employment is 2 years. The position is a full-time position. The expected start date is 1 January 2027 or according to mutual agreement.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Søren Raza, sraz@dtu.dk.
You can read more about our research on the Applied Nano-Optics webpage.
You can read more about DTU Physics at https://physics.dtu.dk/.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 12 October 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
At DTU Physics, we perform research, teaching, and innovation in experimental and theoretical physics with the overall aim to benefit society. We contribute to the transition to sustainable energy via research and innovation in catalysis, Power-to-X, and nuclear energy solutions. We design and develop new functional materials, contribute to advances in geosciences and life sciences, and we develop and exploit quantum physics and quantum technologies.
DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.
