Postdoc in Topological Photonics - DTU Electro

Are you excited by the prospect of uncovering new physical phenomena and shaping the future of photonic technology? Do you thrive at the intersection of theoretical physics, mathematics, and computational science? If so, we invite you to join us at DTU Electro.

The Quantum and Nanophotonics Section at DTU Electro is seeking a talented and curious postdoctoral researcher to contribute to our research program Symmetry-guided discovery of topological photonics.

As part of this program, you will investigate how principles of symmetry can reveal new forms of photonic topology. Working at the convergence of topological band theory, symmetry analysis, and group theory, you will help develop new concepts, computational tools, and theoretical frameworks that advance our understanding of light-matter interactions. Your work may also pave the way for experimental demonstrations through collaborations with leading researchers in Denmark and internationally.

We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. The specific research direction is flexible and will be shaped by our shared interests, expertise, and scientific aspirations. Possible directions include:

• Topological photonic crystals and metamaterials
• Inverse design of topologically non-trivial photonic structures
• Non-Hermitian and time-dependent photonic systems
• Space-time and magnetic symmetries in photonics
• Topology in disordered or non-crystalline environments
• New computational methods for exploring photonic topology

By joining the team, you will contribute to research that advances both fundamental science and future photonic technologies while working in a collaborative, international, and intellectually stimulating environment.

Who we are looking for
We are particularly interested in candidates who bring some combination of the following:

• Expertise in theoretical or computational photonics, condensed matter physics, or a closely related field.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
• Experience with symmetry analysis, group theory, topological band theory, or related methodologies.
• Programming experience and interest in developing computational research tools.
• A demonstrated ability to communicate scientific results effectively through publications, presentations, or collaborative projects.
• Experience or interest in inverse design / topology optimization.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

We recognize that excellent candidates may not meet every criterion listed above. If you are enthusiastic about the research area and believe your background could contribute to the program, we encourage you to apply.

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. 

The project will be supervised by Assoc. Prof. Thomas Christensen, and the postdoc is expected to interact and collaborate with his peer network in the US, Europe, and Asia. 

Salary and terms of employment 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures. 

The period of employment is 2 years. The starting date is as soon as possible.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
For more information, please contact Thomas Christensen (thomas@dtu.dk). 

You can read more about DTU Electro and the Quantum and Nanophotonics Section here.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 6 December 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: 

• Application (cover letter) 
• CV
• Academic diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English) 
• List of publications
• List of 2 academic references (to contact for letters of recommendation) 
• A writing sample, e.g., PhD thesis (or draft), thesis chapter, or first-authored publication.

Applications may be assessed on a running basis. 

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  
DTU Electro employs more than 300 skilled researchers with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. As a department, we strive towards creating sustainable energy and a greener internet, as well as strengthening cyber security and health technology. Working with industry and public organizations is one of our top priorities to find and implement new solutions to our society. We aim to offer education, research, and innovation of the highest standard, and our focus on application-oriented research enables us to work across many engineering disciplines and research areas, such as IT and the medical and health sciences. We have a close collaboration with researchers from all over the world, just as we collaborate with industry and public authorities about the dissemination of solutions based on electrical and photonics engineering as their key enabling technologies. 

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.