Do you want to help connect optical fibres and photonic chips efficiently, robustly and at scale? The research group Optical Quantum Technologies at the university of applied sciences Georg Simon Ohm (TH Nürnberg) works on integrated photonic interfaces. Together with an industry partner and a research institute, we develop novel optical interfaces between optical fibres and photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Using two-photon polymerisation (2PP), we fabricate micro-optical coupling elements directly on chips and fibres. You will play a key role in this application-oriented project, from simulation through fabrication to testing the prototypes, and you will have the opportunity to earn a doctorate within the project. The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date.
What you will do
- Optical design: You design micro-optical coupling elements between single-mode fibres and PICs, using wave-optical simulations and complementary ray-optical models.
- Fabrication and characterisation: You fabricate prototypes by 2PP on our Nanoscribe Quantum X Align and characterise them experimentally with respect to coupling efficiency, tolerance behaviour and reproducibility.
- Collaborative research: You carry out application-oriented research in integrated photonics in close collaboration with our project partners from industry and academia.
- Teaching support: You help supervise theses and student projects in the research environment.
- You publish your results in international journals and present them at conferences and workshops.
What you bring
- You hold an above-average Master’s or Diplom degree in physics, photonics, electrical engineering or a comparable field.
- You have experimental experience in optics, photonics or laser technology.
- You are able to work independently on scientific questions, ideally demonstrated by a very good Master’s thesis.
- Ideally, you are familiar with photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and fibre optics and you have experience in microstructuring and in the fabrication and testing of micro-optical structures (e.g. 2PP/Nanoscribe). Experience in simulating optical systems using ray tracing and wave propagation (e.g. Zemax, Ansys Lumerical, COMSOL) and programming skills (Python, C++) for simulations and lab hardware control, as well as experience with version control (git) are beneficial.
- You have very good written and spoken English and enjoy working in international teams.
What we offer
- You will work in an application-oriented scientific environment with modern infrastructure: a modernised cleanroom, a Nanoscribe Quantum X Align and a femtosecond laser workstation.
- You will have the opportunity to pursue a doctorate with close scientific supervision and room to develop your own research ideas.
- You will join a young research group with great scientific freedom and short decision-making paths.
- You will work in close cooperation with partners from industry and research.
- Salary in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service of the German federal states (TV-L E13). An initial two-year contract with the intention of extension for strong candidates.
How to apply: Please submit your application by 1 December 2026. Please send your CV, publication list, a short motivation letter and at least one reference letter exclusively via the online application portal of TH Nürnberg.
Diversity: At TH Nürnberg, many different people work together on the challenges of the future. We see diversity as an opportunity that we want to use constructively by recognising it and drawing on its potential. Become part of the Ohm and contribute to new projects and perspectives that carry innovation into society.