PhD position in Astronomical Instrumentation – Astrophotonics

Applications are invited for a doctoral student under the supervision of Prof. Lucas Labadie at the Institute for Astrophysics of the University of Cologne (Germany).

The proposed position connects to the field of astrophotonics, a synergetic partnership between astronomy and photonics that will enable groundbreaking instrumentation for modern telescopes and interferometric arrays (e.g., ELT, VLTI). The project is offered in the context of the ANR/DFG ESPIC project (“Exoplanetary Systems Photonic Interferometric Combiner”), an international initiative between the University of Cologne and the C2N (Université Paris Saclay/CNRS). Both institutions take advantage of unique manufacturing (clean rooms) and characterization capabilities to act as major players in this field. The project aims at developing and enabling innovative photonic-based solutions for interferometric beam combiners delivering excellent performance for nulling interferometry. This technique is used to enable high-contrast astronomical observations in the field of exoplanetary science and circumstellar disks [1]. In ESPIC, we bring together the expertise of the two groups in both institutions to manufacture, characterize and optimize integrated optics active beam combiners for the mid-infrared range, around 3.8 µm and 9 µm. For the short-wavelength case, we will consider the integration of the small-scale beam combiner in the NOTT/Asgard instrument developed and operated by our collaborators at KU Leuven.

The doctoral student will pursue an experimental project to develop, characterize and optimize different designs of beam for astronomical interferometry. She/He will lead the research and development phase using the astrophotonics lab at the University of Cologne. Finally, the nulling beam combiner will be characterized for NOTT at the VLTI. In addition, the candidate will develop the control software running the active on-chip phase shifters. The results will be published in peer-review journals and contribute to the PhD thesis. In addition, and depending on interest and background, the direct contribution to the reduction and science exploitation of high-angular resolution astronomical datasets can be considered.

The applicant should have a Master of Science (MSc) in physics, engineering or a related discipline. She/He should be motivated by the fields of research associated with astronomical instrumentation, optics, photonics and lab demonstrators. A first experience with the technique of ultrafast laser writing is an asset. The working language is English.

The position is for 3 years and starts on 01.09.26 or 01.10.2026.