The Center for Nanophotonics (NanoPhoton) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) conducts cutting-edge fundamental research on semiconductor nanocavities that confine light to dimensions far below the wavelength. Until recently, such extreme light localization was considered impossible, yet it now enables access to regimes of strong light–matter interaction. This opens exciting new opportunities in quantum and information technologies while advancing fundamental science. We refer to this emerging research area as Extreme Dielectric Confinement (EDC) , and we invite you to become part of the team shaping this field

NanoPhoton is an interdisciplinary research center that brings together several departments at DTU and is supported by a Center grant from the Danish National Research Foundation. It offers a highly collaborative and international research environment at the forefront of nanophotonics.

We are now seeking several highly motivated PhD students with strong academic records who are eager to contribute to this rapidly developing field. Our research spans multiple disciplines, and we welcome applicants with backgrounds or interests in areas such as quantum optics, nanofabrication, mathematical optimization, laser physics, integrated photonics, condensed matter physics, and spectroscopy.

If you are passionate about advancing nanophotonics through cutting-edge research, we warmly encourage you to apply. In this call, we are particularly recruiting PhD candidates for the following research topics:

• Project A: Epitaxy and nanofabrication of III-V semiconductor emitters in nanocavities  
  The goal of this project is to realize extremely small, precisely engineered active regions for nanophotonic devices. This will be achieved by studying semiconductor growth in narrow three-dimensional dielectric templates, including low-dimensional gain materials and tailored doping strategies. The results will enable electrically driven nanolasers and nano-LEDs based on extreme dielectric confinement (EDC), where tiny III–V heterostructures are integrated into silicon nanocavities at optical field maxima
• Project B: Theory, design and experimental characterization of nanobeam EDC lasers
  This project aims to demonstrate electrically injected nanobeam lasers that use sub-wavelength light confinement to enhance light–matter interactions. The goal is to achieve low laser thresholds together with high efficiency and fast operation. The project comprises simulations and design, nanofabrication in collaboration with colleagues, and experimental characterization. 
• Project C: Topology optimization of nanocavity interfaces  
  This project explores advanced inverse design methods for next-generation EDC photonic systems. By combining topology optimization with physics-based modeling, it aims to discover new light–matter interaction platforms. The work will integrate multi-physics modeling (photonics, electronics, and mechanics) with fabrication and uncertainty constraints, enabling more efficient devices and novel applications.
• Project D: Cavity QED of colour centers in silicon  
  This project will investigate the quantum optical properties of colour centers in silicon cavities with a focus on the spin and spin-photon interfaces based on C- and T-centers at millikelvin temperatures. Besides the optical experiments, the project may, depending on the interests and qualifications of the applicant, involve significant elements of either nanofabrication or theory of light-matter interaction.
• Project E: Polariton dynamics in EDC cavity coupled to 2D material  
  This project studies how tightly focused electromagnetic fields enhance exciton–exciton interactions in semiconducting 2D materials such as MoTe₂. Using ultrafast spectroscopy on EDC cavities coupled to excitonic layers, we will test theoretical predictions of single-photon–level nonlinearities, including photon blockade. These effects could enable photonic quantum logic gates and ultrafast single-photon switches.
• Project F: Dynamic EDC for enhanced light-matter interaction 
  This project will investigate EDC cavities with dynamically controllable waveguide coupling to study a hitherto unexplored regime of extreme light-matter interactions, where strong spatial confinement is combined with temporal trapping of photons. We will focus on experimental demonstrations, but the project may also involve theory, simulation, and design, depending on the interests of the applicant. 

In your application, please indicate which of the project(s) above you are interested in, and why you have the right qualifications.

As a PhD student at NanoPhoton, you will become part of a vibrant and ambitious research environment, working alongside talented graduate students, postdocs, senior scientists, and professors. At DTU, you will have access to state-of-the-art optical laboratories and world-class cleanroom facilities, providing an exceptional setting for cutting-edge research.

You will be immersed in an interdisciplinary community, with opportunities to collaborate and exchange ideas with researchers across a broad range of scientific fields. The center brings together scholars from many nationalities and cultural backgrounds, creating a truly international environment. We are committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and trust-based atmosphere where curiosity thrives, new ideas are encouraged, and innovative collaborations naturally emerge.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Candidates should have a relevant master’s degree. 

We are looking for motivated and ambitious PhD students with a strong background in physics or engineering and with an interest in quantum optics, mathematical optimisation, laser physics, integrated photonics, condensed matter physics, nanofabrication, and spectroscopy. 

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree. 

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education .

Assessment
The assessment of the candidates will be made by the relevant principal investigators in NanoPhoton and the Center Leader, Professor Jesper Mørk.

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 appointment terms 
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 3 years. The starting date is flexible, but the project should be commenced this year. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from the NanoPhoton Center Leader Prof. Jesper Mørk, jesm@dtu.dk , and co-PIs Senior Researcher Elizaveta Semenova, Senior researcher Mikkel Heuck, Prof. Ole Sigmund, Prof. Martijn Wubs, Prof. Kresten Yvind and Prof. Søren Stobbe.

You can read more about NanoPhoton at www.nanophoton.dk and 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 . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure   
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 17 March 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:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

In the field “Please indicate which position(s) you would like to apply for”, please indicate which project you are applying for (title from the above list of PhD projects  or individual research projects).

Incomplete applications will not be considered. You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

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 has more than 300 employees engaged in research on nanophotonics, semiconductor technology, lasers, quantum photonics, optical sensors, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, biophotonics, acoustics, power electronics, robotics, and autonomous systems. See more on DTU Electro.

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.