PhD – Nano Photonics with Fibre Cavities University of Basel / SNI, Switzerland
Job Description
Organization: University of Basel / Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI)
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Position: PhD Position: Nano Photonics with Fibre Cavities (P2605)
Project Overview
The Photonic Ultrafast Systems Group, headed by Prof. Bojan Resan, develops ultrafast lasers and photonic systems for applications including biomedicine, micro-material processing and optical communications. The Nano-Photonics Group, headed by Prof. Richard Warburton, applies quantum-optics concepts to solid-state emitters, with a focus on developing hardware for quantum information applications such as single-photon sources and spin qubits.
This PhD project aims to develop micron-scale fibre cavities with excellent in-and-out coupling efficiencies and designer nano-structured mirror profiles. Rapid, flexible and scalable nanofabrication techniques based on femtosecond laser ablation will be developed.
The project will use the same fibre-cavity platform to develop two types of light sources: a high-repetition-rate pulsed laser for optical telecommunications and a single-photon source for quantum-technology applications.
The research combines ultrafast optics, nanofabrication, fibre-cavity technology, quantum optics and photonic telecommunications, providing an interdisciplinary environment across the University of Basel and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland.
Key Responsibilities
- Generate and characterize sub-micron-sized Bessel beams.
- Perform nanomachining trials on glass samples using a femtosecond pulsed laser.
- Optimise laser parameters to produce suitable nano-structured mirror templates.
- Design and build open micro-cavities using nano-machined fibres for quantum communications.
- Design and build a micro-cavity femtosecond laser for high-data-rate telecommunications.
- Conduct experimental laboratory research involving ultrafast laser systems and photonic structures.
- Analyse experimental data and contribute to the development and optimisation of fibre-cavity systems.
- Collaborate across the University of Basel and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland.
Required Qualifications
- BS or MS degree in Physics, Photonics, Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong motivation for applied experimental laboratory research.
- Good communication and team-working skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with femtosecond lasers.
- Experience with quantum optics.
- Experience with scientific programming and data analysis using Python, MATLAB or similar tools.
- Interest or experience in nanofabrication, ultrafast optics, fibre cavities or photonic telecommunications.
Employment Details
- Position reference: P2605.
- Employment: Full-time PhD position.
- Duration: Not specified in the supplied vacancy information.
- Starting date: Not specified.
- The successful candidate will become a member of the Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI) PhD school and its interdisciplinary research community.
Salary & Benefits
The SNI PhD programme offers:
- A highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.
- Competitive Swiss PhD salary conditions.
- Social events and professional development activities.
- Training in soft skills.
- Access to state-of-the-art ultrafast experiments and quantum-optics facilities.
- Close collaboration with internationally recognised experts in ultrafast optics, micromachining and quantum communications.
- The opportunity to work on emerging fibre-cavity technologies with applications ranging from quantum physics to photonic telecommunications.
Research Environment
The project involves two principal workplace locations:
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Windisch/Brugg: Nanomachining and micro-cavity femtosecond-laser activities. The location is approximately 30 minutes from Zürich and 45 minutes from Basel.
- University of Basel, Basel: Fibre-cavity research for quantum communications.
The project therefore combines experimental capabilities in ultrafast laser technology and micromachining with quantum-optics research at the University of Basel.
Application Documents
The supplied vacancy information does not provide a specific list of required application documents. Applicants should consult the online SNI PhD application platform for the current document requirements.
English Language Requirement
The supplied vacancy does not specify a formal English-language test or minimum score.
Supervisor(s)/Contact
The project is associated with:
- Prof. Bojan Resan – Photonic Ultrafast Systems Group.
- Prof. Richard Warburton – Nano-Photonics Group.
For questions regarding the SNI PhD programme, applicants may contact:
Dr. Andreas Baumgartner
Head of the SNI PhD Programme
Email: [email protected]
Applicants may also contact the project leaders directly.
Application Deadline
15 October 2026 at 23:59 Europe/Zurich (CET) according to the specific vacancy listing.
The SNI project description additionally states that applications should be completed before 31 December 2026 and that the vacancy can be filled at any time. Because the specific listing gives an earlier deadline of 15 October 2026, applicants should follow the earlier date.
Starting Date
Not specified in the supplied vacancy information.
Reference
P2605
