SDU Microelectronics part of Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IME), University of Southern Denmark (SDU) seeks a highly motivated and talented researcher to strengthen and expand our activities in Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs). The successful candidate will contribute to the development of next-generation integrated photonic technologies with emphasis on heterogeneous integration, co-design with CMOS electronics, and fabless photonic IC development.

The position offers the opportunity to establish an independent research profile while collaborating closely with existing activities in CMOS circuit design, neuromorphic computing, cryogenic electronics, and spintronic-based computing systems. The role also contributes to Denmark’s and Europe’s strategic ambitions under the EU Chips Act, and other similar programs.

The position is open from March 2025, and the specific start date will be agreed with the successful candidates. 

What we offer 

• A stimulating research environment within SDU Microelectronics, a growing section integrating expertise in analog/digital IC design, spintronics, neuromorphic computing, and energy-efficient system architectures.

• Access to advanced facilities for design, characterization, and system prototyping, enabling cross-disciplinary research in photonics and electronics.

• Excellent opportunities for collaboration across SDU and with national and international academic and industrial partners in microelectronics, photonics, and quantum technologies.

• Strong support for professional development through the Lecturer Training Programme, mentoring, and structured progression toward tenure.

• An open and collaborative research culture within SDU’s Faculty of Engineering (TEK), promoting interdisciplinary innovation across electronics, materials science, and artificial intelligence

What we expect 

A PhD (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field.

• Demonstrated or clearly emerging ability to conduct original research in photonic integrated circuits, which may include:

  • design, simulation, and experimental demonstration of PIC components or subsystems;

  • heterogeneous integration of photonic, electronic, spintronic, or quantum devices;

  • photonic–electronic co-design for advanced computing, communication, or sensing;

  • low-power / cryogenic optoelectronic interfaces;

• Evidence of scientific productivity (publications, presentations, patents, or equivalent) commensurate with career stage, and a clear vision for future research.

• Motivation and capability to build an independent research programme, secure external funding, and develop collaborative networks across disciplines and sectors.

• Commitment to teaching and supervision in Electronics study programmes at bachelor’s and master’s levels, including course development and student mentoring.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, and willingness to contribute to the strategic development of SDU Microelectronics and the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IME).

Workplace description 

The successful candidate will join SDU Microelectronics, a dynamic and expanding section at the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IME). The section conducts internationally recognized research in integrated circuits, spintronics, photonics, and neuromorphic computing, and plays a central role in SDU’s ambition to be a national and European hub for semiconductor and chip innovation.

Work will primarily take place at SDU’s Odense Campus, within a multidisciplinary environment that encourages collaboration across microelectronics, materials science, and computing. The section contributes actively to research and innovation efforts under Chips JU, Photonics21, and Quantum Flagship programmes, offering an excellent platform for impactful research and technology development.

Further information 

For further information about the position, please contact Professor Farshad Moradi (moradi@sdu.dk), Head of the SDU Microelectronics Section and Associate Professor Hooman Farkhani (farkhani@sdu.dk), Deputy Head of the SDU Microelectronics. 

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk. 

Application procedure

Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply.

Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and an application must include: 

• Motivated application.  

• Curriculum Vitae.

• Master’s and PhD degree certificates or equivalent (copy of original/official English translation). 

• Complete list of publications. 

• Publications most relevant to the position. 

• Summary and documentation of experience in teaching.  You may attach as a Teaching Portfolio. 

• A research statement.

• References/reference letters may be included.

• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included. 

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration no.) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected. 

UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents shall be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files of max 50 MB per file). 

The application deadline is December 15, 2025, at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST) 

Tenure Track at the Faculty of Engineering, SDU

With the tenure track programme at the Faculty of Engineering, SDU, we offer an attractive career opportunity for promising scholars. The tenure track is aimed at the most talented scholars who have established a high level in their current research and other professional work, and those who possess exceptional potential to achieve the highest international level within their research area.

You enter the 4-year programme at assistant professor level and if successful you are promoted to associate professor by the end of the programme, provided an expert assessment committee confirms that you have acquired the international level of scholarly excellence characteristic of associate professors. Indicators of relevant scholarly merits include documented through independent scholarly output, ground-breaking publications, achievement of excellence grants, and international research network.

The tenure track at the Faculty of Engineering, SDU, is a 4-year programme which includes annual performance and development reviews and a midterm evaluation with a written review by an expert panel to ensure the assistant professor’s track to tenured associate professorship. Finally, a formal academic assessment for permanent associate professorship is conducted by an internationally recognized expert assessment committee. If the final assessment is positive, the candidate will be offered a permanent position as associate professor. If the assessment is negative, the assistant professor can recommend a second assessment within the last six months of employment. Thus, a maximum of two academic assessments can take place.    

When part of the tenure track programme, the 4-year period as assistant professor may be extended by maternity leave, paternity leave and/or adoption leave.   

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU.  Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation.

Read about the Assessment and selection process.  

Conditions of employment

Appointment as a tenure track assistant professor is temporary and for an initial 4-year period, with guaranteed assessment for a permanent position as associate professor during the final year of employment. The preferred start date is from March 2026 (or as soon as possible therafter).

During employment, the tenure track assistant professor will complete the Lecturer Training Programme. 

Employment as an assistant professor requires scientific qualifications at minimum PhD level at the time of employment. Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state with the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for tenure track assistant professor as described herein. Further information on salary and taxation. 

Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial evaluation, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

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The University of Southern Denmark wishes our staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, are subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.