Postdoc in Frequency Combs for Deep-Tissue Optical Coherence Tomography DTU Health Tech

Are you interested in exploring the possibility of high-resolution deep tissue imaging in biomedical applications Are you excited by the translation of novel photonics technologies to real-world biomedical applications

DTU Health Tech invites applications for a postdoc investigating how frequency combs combined with optical coherence tomography (OCT) can extend the achievable imaging range and imaging depth in scattering tissue. The position will be part of the Biophotonic Imaging Group in the Optical Imaging and Sensing (OASIS) section. You will be joining a dynamic collaborative and interdisciplinary team where you will get all the necessary support to turn your ideas into great results.

In the Biophotonic Imaging Group our aim is to drive cutting-edge research in multimodal functional optical bio-imaging and to establish a biophotonic imaging resource for translational research at DTU Health Tech. We develop and innovate new optical imaging concepts and technologies that enable novel insights into tissue function and disease biomarkers and new clinical achievements that improve healthcare.

Responsibilities and qualifications
We are looking for a candidate with experience working with frequency combs and coherent receiver systems who wants to explore their applications in biophotonic imaging. Frequency combs have long been a light source of interest for spectroscopy applications; however recent advances in comb technologies and noise performance show promise for their application in improving signal-to-noise for imaging applications. Recent work has demonstrated that circular ranging OCT can enable imaging over large depth ranges in sparse samples. Additionally the interference of two combs encodes optical signals in the radio frequency domain enabling the use of lower-bandwidth low-noise detector systems. This could be particularly relevant for applications with low signal collection such as spatially offset OCT (SO-OCT).

SO-OCT is a new technology pioneered at DTU that leverages multiply scattered light to extend the imaging depth of OCT. Our modelling results show that this method has the potential to image >5 mm into scattering tissues and thereby revolutionize non-invasive diagnostics. Your role will be to explore how novel system architectures based on frequency combs and coherent receiver systems can help SO-OCT achieve its full potential. Additionally you will contribute to the development of a signal processing pipeline for optimizing SO-OCT image quality based on this new detection scheme. You will further explore how circular ranging OCT can be adapted to this architecture and investigate complementarity between SO-OCT and circular ranging. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate the application of the system for margin mapping in oral cancer samples.

Your overall focus will be to develop system architectures for single- and dual-comb OCT and SO-OCT. You will additionally support the development of signal processing pipelines for leveraging the full field information from the coherent receiver systems for SO-OCT and circular ranging OCT. Your work will contribute to establishing the ultimate limitations of imaging depth in scattering media.

Your primary responsibilities will be to:

• Explore and construct system architecture for OCT and SO-OCT leveraging single- and dual-comb light sources
• Investigate through modelling and experiments the fundamental limits of imaging with such architecture
• Establish signal processing pipelines for circular ranging and optimal SO-OCT images using full-field information
• Publish and disseminate research findings and innovation scientifically and in the public domain
• Co-supervision of BSc and MSc students
• Contribute to attracting funding

Your primary qualifications will be:

• A PhD in photonics electrical engineering experimental physics or similar
• Experience with frequency combs coherent receiver systems and/or optical imaging technologies
• Expertise in signal processing or image processing
• Experience with experimental work in a photonics laboratory
• Willingness to work in a shared environment including collaboration with other engineers and clinicians
• Enthusiasm for exploring high-risk high-gain research ideas

As a formal qualification you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

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 1 year. The planned starting date is 1 October 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Gavrielle Untracht ().

You can read more about DTU Health Tech at If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU atDTU Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than11 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 Health Tech
With a vision to improve health and quality of life through technology DTU Health Tech engages in research education and innovation based on technical and natural science. We educate tomorrows health tech engineers and create the foundation for new and innovative services and technologies for the globally expanding healthcare sector with its demands for the most advanced technological solutions. DTU Health Techs expertise can be described through five overall research areas: Diagnostic Imaging Digital Health Personalised Therapy Precision Diagnostics and Sensory and Neural Technology. Our technologies and solutions are developed with the aim of benefiting people and creating value for society. The department has a scientific staff of about 210 persons 140 PhD Students and a technical/administrative support staff of about 100 persons of which a large majority contributes to our research infrastructure and related commercial activities.

DTU For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europes 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 Europes 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 13800 students 1600 PhD students and 6500 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.