Postdoc in Mid-IR Upconversion for AI-Enabled Real-Time High-Resolution Industrial NDT Scanners - AINDT - DTU Electro

The Technical University of Denmark has an open 2.5-year Postdoctoral Researcher position as part of the Grand Solutions project, “AINDT”. AINDT aims to deliver industrial mid-IR (MIR) OCT scanners that combine ultra-high resolution sub-surface optical imaging with AI-powered real-time defect and layer thickness detection. Hereby AINDT will enable in-line non-contact, non-destructive test (NDT) of highly scattering materials and advanced components critical for today’s society.

This includes Multilayer Ceramic Chip Capacitors (MLCCs) essential to modern high-volume electronics, advanced Multi-Material 3D Printed Ceramic (MMPC) -based antenna modules as key elements for the coming e-health environment and protective multi-layer coatings, all of which remain challenging for conventional inspection techniques.

The interdisciplinary nature of the project requires that you enjoy working with both academic and industrial partners.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You will explore novel methods for up and down conversion of MIR optical light in the 3-4 µm and 6-8 µm range respectively. A first part involves pulsed, synchronous upconversion of a supercontinuum (SC) light source which eliminates the need for expensive, noisy, and cryogenic cooled MIR detectors. Upconversion is already a strong and internationally recognised scientific competence in our research group and used in numerous MIR applications such as MIR spectroscopy for biopsy screening and environmental gas sensing. Secondly a system for down conversion of a 200 nm broadband,

The project will be conducted in close collaboration with NKT Photonics that supply a short pulse laser and NORBLIS developing the complete OCT system.

Key activities

• Implementation of a pump laser for the upconversion system using a separate laser source or a portion of the SC laser pump source.
• Identify and implement the best nonlinear crystals to cover the 2 mentioned wavelength regions.
• Synchronise the upconversion pump source and the SC light source and characterise upconversion efficiency, bandwidth and noise property.
• Implement the upconversion detector with NORBLIS and characterize MIR hyperspectral image acquisition performance.
• Downconversion of a broadband, 20 fs laser to the 6-8 µm range in collaboration with NKT Photonics.

Qualifications
As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent), with a good understanding of solid-state light sources, second-order nonlinear optics (DFG and SFG). The project will include both experimental and theoretical work. Knowledge of data acquisition, electronics and signal processing is preferable.

Personal qualifications
To become successful, you must be enthusiastic and feel strongly for optical engineering and excellent designs, be able to combine theory with practical and systematic execution and enjoy sharing your passion with your colleagues. You should have a creative and positive mindset and thrive in an informal and cross-functional environment.

You will have your workplace at the Technical University of Denmark, Risø Campus. Our research group, “Optical Sensor Technology” has a long tradition for applied optics and strives to implement new scientific solutions to real world problems within healthcare and in support of a greener society. A passion that you should share.

During the project you are expected to publish and present the findings, and to coordinate the work with project academic and industrial partners.

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 terms of employment
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 2.5 years. Starting date is 1 September 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Professor, Group leader, Christian Pedersen, phone Se telefonnummer på studerendeonline.dk, email Se e-mailadresse på studerendeonline.dk .
Associate Professor, Peter Tidemand-Lichtenberg, phone Se telefonnummer på studerendeonline.dk, Se e-mailadresse på studerendeonline.dk .

You can read more about DTU-Electro at .

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 30 June 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

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 the 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.

Location
Roskilde, Denmark

Apply Before
2026-06-30T21:59:00+00:00