Position overview

The LTF conducts research in ultrafast laser sources, optical coatings, frequency combs, nonlinear optical systems, and high-power lasers. For more than two decades, the laboratory has also investigated the characterization and stabilization of QCLs in close collaboration with ETH Zurich.

Within a recently funded SNSF project led by Dr Alexandre Parriaux, we are seeking

one postdoctoral researcher

to investigate the fundamental noise limits of QCL frequency combs, with particular emphasis on novel ring-resonator architectures.

The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in the scientific and technical development of the project and will contribute to the supervision of two PhD candidates. The main responsibilities will include:

Developing a versatile optical platform for the high-resolution heterodyne characterization of QCLs
Developing and implementing nonlinear frequency-conversion schemes from the near-infrared to the mid-infrared
Characterizing the frequency noise, optical linewidth, and comb-mode coherence of QCLs
Developing and implementing stabilization schemes for single-frequency mode and frequency comb QCL operation
Contributing to the interpretation and modelling of the experimental results
Supporting the scientific supervision of the two PhD candidates and coordinating the interaction between the experimental and theoretical activities

The postdoctoral researcher will work under the supervision of Dr Alexandre Parriaux and in close collaboration with other researchers at the LTF and ETH Zurich.

The postdoctoral researcher will also be expected to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, present the work at national and international conferences, contribute to scientific collaborations, support the supervision of junior researchers, and prepare periodic progress reports for the project.

Position details

Expected starting date: January 1st, 2027

Duration: One year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year

Location: Neuch tel, Switzerland. The position will involve occasional research visits to collaborating laboratories in Switzerland and elsewhere in Europe, as well as participation in national and international conferences

Environment: Neuch tel is in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, between Lake Neuch tel and the Jura Mountains, offering an ideal setting for both outdoor and city activities

Teaching: The position includes student-supervision duties and limited teaching at the university

Salary: 90 000-95 000 CHF gross per year, according to the applicable SNSF salary scale

Information and requirements

PhD in physics, photonics, laser physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field, completed or expected to be completed before the starting date
Strong motivation to conduct research in laser physics and photonics
Knowledge of QCLs, semiconductor lasers, or laser-noise characterization
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Good written and spoken English; knowledge of French is an advantage but not mandatory
Strong scientific-programming skills, for example in Python or MATLAB

The successful candidate should have strong experimental experience in several of the following areas: optical setup development, laser systems, nonlinear optics, optoelectronics, precision measurements, and optical frequency comb technologies. Experience in nonlinear dynamics or numerical modelling would be an advantage.

Application

Interested candidates should submit the following:

Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications
Motivation letter (maximum one page)
Brief research statement describing previous work, relevant experimental or theoretical expertise, and the candidate s potential contribution to the project (maximum two pages)
Copy of the PhD certificate, or confirmation of the expected defense date;
Contact details of at least two academic references (recommendation letters are welcome)

Please send your application to secretariat.physique at unine.ch with the subject line Postdoctoral Application QCL .

Applications received by October 31, 2026, will receive full consideration. The review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Online interviews are expected to take place mid-November 2026.