Postdoc in Optical Computing for Neural Networks - DTU Electro

If you are an ambitious researcher looking to further your career in photonic integrated circuits and optical computing, we invite you to join us as a Postdoc at DTU Electro in the Photonic Integrated Circuit based Systems (PICSys) group. You will work in a state-of-the-art environment for advanced optical and digital signal processing, and integrated photonics, with access to one of the largest university cleanroom facilities in Europe.

As a key member of our team, you will contribute to a large EU-funded research effort and collaborate closely with five leading European institutions. The project focuses on high-precision optical computing for neural network applications and leverages a radically new digitized optical computing architecture. You will play a central role in advancing this technology and driving high-impact research outcomes.

This postdoctoral position is funded by the European Innovation Council under the Pathfinder project Digital OpticaL cOmputing platfoRm for nEural networkS (DOLORES).

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your primary focus will be to contribute to and further strengthen the department’s research portfolio in optical computing and optical neural networks. You will work closely with colleagues at DTU Electro and with our academic and industrial partners across Europe.

Responsibilities
Your main tasks will include:

• Conduct research and innovation on integrated digital optical neural networks within the DOLORES project, including a full proof-of-concept demonstration in a fully packaged assembly.
• Collaborate with project partners to deliver the full system stack, including:
  • Designing and developing relevant silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs).
  • Preparing and taping out PIC designs for external fabrication (e.g., via Cornerstone, UK).
  • Working with TNO (Netherlands) on PIC packaging, PCB, and FPGA development.
  • Working with IMEC (Belgium) on integrating multi-wavelength light sources into the PCB platform.
  • Working with TU Eindhoven (Netherlands) on interfacing the photonic IC with post-processing electronic ICs.
  • Conducting system-level demonstrations for real neural-network tasks, such as NLP workloads, in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen.
• Publish research results in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at major international conferences.
• Contribute to strengthening DTU’s international network through collaboration and external research stays.
• Participate in relevant training and professional development activities, either at DTU or through partner institutions.
• Contribute to teaching and supervision activities at DTU Electro.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• A PhD degree in integrated photonics, optical computing, optical signal processing, or a closely related discipline.

Desired Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have one or more of the following:

• A strong research background in optical computing or optical neural networks.
• Experience in simulation, design, and characterization of silicon photonic devices or circuits; cleanroom experience is an advantage.
• Knowledge of microelectronics and mixed-signal systems.
• Experience in high-speed PCB/FPGA design or high-speed optical/electrical transceivers.
• A solid record of research dissemination (journal publications, conference presentations, etc.).
• The ability to work independently while effectively contributing to collaborative academic–industrial projects.

We offer
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.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 2 years, with a preferrable starting date on 1 May 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Deming Kong ([email protected]).

You can read more about DTU Electro at www.electro.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.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 27 February 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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications
• A mandatory research statement (max. 2 pages) describing your understanding and achievements in optical computing for neural-network applications. The statement should include a critical analysis of the opportunities, challenges, and current obstacles in the field. You may approach this from a device-level or system-level perspective. If applicable, you are encouraged to discuss your own research results and explain how they could contribute to the advancement of this research area.

Applications received after the deadline 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.

DTU Electro
DTU Electro employs more than 300 skilled researchers with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. As a department we strive towards creating sustainable energy and a greener internet, as well as strengthening cyber security and health technology. Working with the industry and public organizations is one of our top priorities to find and implement new solutions to our society. We aim to offer education, research, and innovation of the highest standard, and our focus on application-oriented research enables us to work across many engineering disciplines and research areas, such as IT and the medical and health sciences. We have a close collaboration with researchers from all over the world, just as we collaborate with industry and public authorities about the dissemination of solutions based on electrical and photonics engineering as their key enabling technologies.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

Location
Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Apply Before
2026-02-27T22:59:00+00:00