PhD scholarship in Streamlining quantum chip packaging through 3D printed self-alignment structures - DTU Nanolab

Are you interested in quantum chip packaging from both a theoretical and experimental point of view? Then this PhD project offers a unique opportunity. If you have a background in 3D design, microfabrication, and a good understanding of the interplay between materials, topology, and mechanical properties, you might be our ideal PhD candidate. Your work at DTU Nanolab would contribute to developing quick and facile solutions for alignment in photonic integrated circuit (PIC) packaging, potentially revolutionizing PIC packaging and system integration and ultimately contributing to high bandwidth and secure data transmission.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus will be to design and fabricate self-alignment structures for flip-chip bonding based on lightweight high-strength and auxetic materials. You will work together closely with our collaborators at KAIST on the topic of AI-assisted inverse design, and with your colleagues at DTU Nanolab for the fabrication and characterization of the designed structures. 

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Design lightweight yet mechanically stable self-alignment structures for PIC packaging
• Fabricate the designed structures using two-photon polymerization micro 3D printing
• Characterize the topology and mechanical properties of the fabricated structures
• Test the performance of the fabricated structures for PIC packaging
• Analyse experimental data and contribute to scientific publications
• Be involved in the teaching and supervision of BSc and MSc courses and student projects

You may be our ideal candidate if you have a strong background in mechanical engineering, 3D design and documented hands-on experience with high-resolution 3D printing. A basic understanding of photonic chip packaging is required. 

It is an advantage if you have experience with solid mechanics, materials science, and Multiphysics modelling. Hands-on experience with the topological and mechanical characterization of microstructures is also an advantage. Finally, prior publications and conference participations will be weighted positively.

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 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. 

Assessment
The assessment of applicants will be based on documented relevant experience with focus on hands-on aspects, academic achievements (including dissemination), and critical thinking. Emphasis will be placed on motivation, independence, and the ability to collaborate in an international research environment.

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. Expected start date is 1^st of January 2027 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time PhD position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Assoc. Prof. Ada-Ioana Bunea, DTU Nanolab ([email protected]).

You can read more about DTU Nanolab at www.nanolab.dtu.dk 

This PhD project will be carried out in collaboration with Sr. Res. Radu Malureanu from DTU Nanolab and Prof. Seunghwa Ryu from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon (KAIST).

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 31 August 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
• Documentation of relevant experimental experience (if available)
• Contact information for references

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 Nanolab is the National Centre for Nano Fabrication and Characterization in Denmark, providing state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities and advanced instrumentation for micro- and nanotechnology. The department supports interdisciplinary research within nanoscience, quantum technology, and advanced materials, and collaborates closely with academic and industrial partners. DTU Nanolab offers a highly international, collaborative environment with strong expertise in nanofabrication, device physics, and experimental characterization.

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.