Dr. Daniel Schäffer completed his doctorate in the field of applied optics at TU Ilmenau. Today, he works at the ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (ZEISS SMT) division in Oberkochen - and benefits not only from his specialist knowledge, but also from the contacts he made during his doctorate. In his day-to-day work, these connections still accompany him today, as he explains in the interview.
Hello Daniel, you decided to do your doctorate at TU Ilmenau - what were the main reasons for choosing the university?
I studied at Coburg University of Applied Sciences, but I couldn't do a doctorate there - universities of applied sciences didn't have the right to award doctorates in 2018. That's why I specifically looked for a doctoral supervisor who was close to my subject. At a conference, I approached Prof. Stefan Sinzinger, who was President of the German Society for Applied Optics at the time. Shortly afterwards, I was allowed to present my topic. He found it exciting and took on the supervision. That's how the doctorate at TU Ilmenau came about - even though I was working in Coburg and later in Deggendorf.
That means you weren't always on site. How did the supervision work during your doctorate?
I was very self-determined on the road. But communication was always targeted, especially in the hot phase - when completing the dissertation or preparing for the viva. Prof. Sinzinger's support was really helpful here.
What did you deal with in your dissertation?
I worked in the field of applied photonics - specifically on the development of novel splitter components for fiber optic networks (the dissertation was awarded the VDI award for outstanding engineering achievements, editor's note). The thesis was in English, as one of the reviewers was from Japan. It was a rather niche topic, but a sub-area of Photonic Integrated Circuits - a field that is becoming more and more relevant today at ZEISS, my current employer.
You combined your doctorate with a research stay in Japan. How did that come about?
It was possible thanks to the "JSPS Summer Program" - an international funding program explicitly aimed at doctoral students. I spent three months at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology in Japan. This experience was incredibly enriching both professionally and culturally - and also gave me a long-term network beyond Germany's borders.
Today you work at ZEISS SMT in Oberkochen as a development engineer. How does your doctorate help you in your current job?
Professionally, a lot - especially in dealing with optics, mechanics and fiber optic technology. But the soft skills are just as important: perseverance, structured work, sticking with it even in difficult phases. My doctoral path was not straightforward - changing supervisors, changing institutes, external partners - but I learned to keep at it. That helps me a lot today.
I currently even have a mentor who also did his doctorate under Prof. Sinzinger at the TU Ilmenau. He gives me advice on my specialist career and I benefit greatly from his experience. He is an important contact person for me, especially when it comes to visibility in the company, career development and strategic thinking.
Does that mean the TU network plays a role in your career?
Yes, a big one actually. The TU Ilmenau has a very good reputation, especially in optics. And I can also see today at ZEISS how many colleagues did their doctorates or studied in Ilmenau. The network is strong - and the training obviously has substance. Many people come together at Prof. Sinzinger's annual barbecue, including alumni with exciting careers. The network is professionally valuable - but also a great enrichment on a personal level.
I would choose to do my doctorate at TU Ilmenau again at any time - both because of the depth of knowledge and the opportunities that have arisen.
What advice would you give to current doctoral students at TU Ilmenau?
You should have the confidence to look specifically for a suitable supervisor - even across institutional boundaries. And you should actively build up networks. Specialist knowledge is important, but visibility and contacts often decide how the further path goes.
Successful graduates in portrait
Every year, young people from Germany and around the world find their way to TU Ilmenau. A degree from the university opens up the best opportunities for them in a wide range of professions in science and business. But what path do graduates take after their studies? In UNIonline, we present personalities whose time at the university has shaped them - and who are changing the world today with their ideas, knowledge and courage.