PhD Fellowship in Quantum Communication using High-Order Modes - DTU Electro

The High Speed Optical Communication (HSOC) group at DTU Electro at the Technical University of Denmark is seeking a candidate for a PhD position to research the use of high-order modes in optical fibre for use in various quantum communication applications – initially focusing on high-dimensional quantum key distribution (HD-QKD)

The PhD student will participate in an international team in an EU-funded Doctoral Network project called HOMTech. The project consists of 10 Ph.d. students at 6 universities and one company. The project has partners from five different EU countries. All, 10 Ph.d. projects are within the overall theme of higher order modes in optical fibers for application in telecommunication, optical sensing, and imaging.

This Ph.D. project will take place at DTU Electro. Apart from the time at DTU there will be secondments of minimum 3 months at the University of l’Aquila in Italy and at Bell Labs in New Jersey, USA. There will also be common meetings with the other 9 Ph.D. students in the doctoral network, including 5 training schools.

As a participant of the project, the PhD student will become part of a team at DTU with expertise in fibre optical communication for both classical and quantum applications. The activities within the project will benefit from synergies with other projects in the group as well as with other activities at the department. The main supervisor will be Associate Professor Michael Galili, DTU Electro.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Many recent advances within optical communication systems, based on classical optical signal or quantum states, have taken advantage of multiple optical transverse modes, and multi-mode optical fibers. Examples include few mode fibers and photonic lanterns for classical communication and applications of modes carrying orbital angular momentum for transmission of high dimensional quantum states. The prospects of such applications depend greatly on the development and characterization of schemes and structures for generation, multiplexing and transmission of these various types of modes.

Based on theoretical modeling and experimental investigations, this project aims at identifying promising schemes for generation and multiplexing/demultiplexing of optical modes adapted to available fibre technology. These schemes will then be implemented and tested both for classical- and quantum communication purposes.

 The project will among others consist of the following tasks:

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 in photonics, electro, applied physics or similar.

Further obligations
The doctoral candidate (DC) is expected to travel to network partners under two secondments for a typical total duration of 3-5 months. Additionally, the DC is expected to participate in outreach activities including, but not limited to, YouTube videos, social media updates, participation in public events and campaigns, as well as dissemination to popular press.

Furthermore, due to the mobility rules of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie program, you must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before your recruitment date.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate 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 .

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 salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. 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.

Start date is aimed for: 1 July , 2023 or as soon as possible hereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the living, mobility and family allowances specified in the Horizon Europe Marie Curie project will be incorporated into the total salary. All allowances included in the salary package, are considered as salary by Danish tax authorities, and will be taxed as income. The final salary will be calculated and agreed upon with the relevant union.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Michael Galili ([email protected] ).

You can read more about DTU Electro at www.fotonik.dtu.dk/english .

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 than30 April 2023 (Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", 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

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, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The recruitment is taking place following the European Code of Conduct for Recruitment of Researchers , which all candidates are encouraged to study.

Selection process: HOMTech is open to researchers regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, political views, language, age and nationality.  Applications from highly qualified applicants from outside the EU will thus be equally considered to other applicants. The integration of refugees is an EU priority and we will ensure equal opportunities to the researchers whose scientific careers have been interrupted. To ensure a gender balance in the project and work towards the Commission’s own policies on narrowing the gap between the genders in research, should two applicants be found to be equally qualified the preference will be given to the one that will balance the gender distribution in the entire Network. After the deadline, all submitted applications will be checked against the defined admissibility and eligibility criteria (e.g. submitted electronically, readable, complete, in English, including grades and references), and applicants will be informed by email within two work weeks on the outcome. The following interviews and selection process will be carried out by a temporary Selection Committee constituted by the Coordinator (when possible) and the supervisors. Evaluation criteria include: Scientific background, capacity for creativity and independent thinking and leadership, mentoring and presentation abilities.

Protection of personal data: The personal data of the applicants will be handled in compliance with applicable EU and national law on data protection (GDPR).

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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.