Postdoc in Photonic-Assisted Microwave Spectrometer for Fusion Plasmas - DTU Physics

Are you a curious and driven physicist or engineer eager to tackle one of the most fundamental challenges in fusion energy? Our research group is seeking a brilliant and resourceful Postdoctoral Researcher to lead a groundbreaking 2-year project at the intersection of plasma physics, advanced diagnostics, and photonic engineering.

The Challenge: Unlocking the Secrets of Plasma Turbulence
Turbulence is the primary obstacle to achieving stable, high-performance plasma in fusion reactors. It disrupts energy confinement, preventing the realization of a clean, limitless energy source. Recent breakthroughs suggest that fast ions could be the key to tailoring and suppressing this turbulence, but a critical gap remains: no existing single diagnostic can simultaneously observe the dynamics of both the turbulent fields and the fast-ion populations.

Your mission will be to bridge this gap.

The Project: A Diagnostic Revolution
This innovative project aims to develop the world's first Photonic-Assisted Microwave Spectroscopy system. This technology will unlock an unprecedented combination of ultra-high bandwidth and adaptable spatial resolution, allowing for the simultaneous, multiscale measurement of turbulence and fast-ion interactions. Your work will not just observe plasma behaviour; it will illuminate the fundamental physics required to control it.

Your Role: Pioneer and Innovator
As the lead postdoc on this project, you will:

• Design and Model: Develop novel concepts for integrating photonic systems (e.g., laser-based, integrated optic components) with advanced microwave scattering/diagnostic setups.
• Build and Experiment: Lead the hands-on development, calibration, and testing of the prototype diagnostic system in our lab and at leading international fusion facilities.
• Collaborate: Work within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team of theoretical and experimental physicists, photonics engineers, and data scientists.

Who We Are Looking For:
We are seeking a candidate with a passion for innovation and the skills to turn ambitious ideas into reality.

Essential Qualifications:

• A recently awarded PhD in Plasma Physics, Photonics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A strong background in one or more of the following:
• Experimental plasma physics, especially in turbulence or fast-ion physics.
• Microwave engineering and spectroscopy.
• Photonics and optoelectronics (e.g., laser systems, modulators, optical signal processing).
• Proven independence in research, with a track record of creative problem-solving.
• A curiosity-driven mindset, eager to explore uncharted scientific territory.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative spirit—a true team player.

Desirable Skills (Don't meet all? Still apply!):

• Hands-on experience in a laboratory environment, particularly with diagnostic development.
• Familiarity with fusion devices (tokamaks/stellarators).
• Knowledge of signal processing techniques for high-bandwidth data.
• Experience with computational modeling (e.g., COMSOL, Python, MATLAB) for system design or plasma simulations.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

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.The position is a full time. Starting date is as soon as possible.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Stefan Kragh Nielsen (skni(at)fysik.dtu.dk) and from Riccardo Ragona (ricrag(at)fysik.dtu.dk).

You can read more about the section of Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy at https://physics.dtu.dk/research/sections/ppfe.

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 2 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
• List of relevant diagnostic/system you have developed or have worked on.

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.

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.

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
2026-02-02T22:59:00+00:00