PhD student position in Optoelectronics - VCSELs for Optical Interconnects

Chalmers University of Technology is launching the project Optical Interconnects for Harsh Computing Environments, a 5-year project funded by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research and has a number of positions open for recruitment of PhD students and postdocs to the project. This position is a great opportunity for you as PhD student to develop your scientific and technical skills by working in a large team of leading researchers and other PhD students and postdocs in an area of great importance for industry and society.

Information about the division and the research
The Photonics Laboratory at the Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience, with about 35 members, conducts application-oriented research in optoelectronics and fiber optic communication. We are part of the Fiber Optic Communications Research Center (FORCE) at Chalmers. Research in optoelectronics, with an emphasis on semiconductor lasers, started at Chalmers in the early 1980's. Today we master everything from laser design and fabrication to laser characterization and evaluation of laser performance in optical links and networks. We are among the leaders in the development of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) which is a key component for optical interconnects, the short-reach optical links used to provide the connectivity needed in datacenters and high-performance computing systems. We participate in European projects and work closely with academic and industrial partners worldwide. With resources enabled by the new project we are now expanding our team with a PhD student to work on VCSELs for optical interconnects in more demanding environments.

While todays optical interconnects operate under rather controlled environmental conditions, use cases where the environment is more demanding in terms of peak-temperature and temperature variations are now appearing. This includes e.g. co-package optics (optical transceivers close to heat generating ASICs), automotive optical networking, and optical networking in advanced radar systems. The project aims at developing high-speed and high-efficiency VCSELs with superior high-temperature performance and tolerance to large temperature variations for these more demanding applications.

Major responsibilities
We seek a PhD student to work in a team of senior researchers, postdocs and other PhD students with complementary skills and tasks. The PhD student will actively participate in the research and development of new VCSEL technologies. The work is mainly experimental with a focus on laser fabrication and evaluation at the device level using our state-of-the-art cleanroom and measurement labs. In addition, a limited amount of efforts on laser design and modelling is expected. Your main responsibility as PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. The position also includes departmental work, mostly as a teaching assistant, corresponding to about 10% of working hours.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
By the starting date, you should have a Master of Science degree in Engineering Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent. Solid knowledge in the areas of semiconductors and optoelectronics is required. Any experience from device design, device fabrication in a cleanroom environment, and/or device characterization is a merit. A good command of English is required.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200560 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 31 January, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Professor Anders Larsson, Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience
E-mail: anders.larsson@chalmers.se
Phone: +46-703 088626

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!