EngD in Human-AI Interaction for Sign Language Translation

Most digital services are currently optimized for text and speech, which creates a significant digital divide for the many Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the Netherlands who communicate in NGT. NGT is a rich, visual language that relies on a complex integration of hand shapes, facial expressions, body posture, and spatial grammar.

The SignEngine project addresses this challenge by researching the technical and interactive requirements for real-time translation. To ensure that the developed technology is natural, safe, and culturally appropriate, active co-creation with the Deaf community is integrated into the core design process.

Job Description
An EngD (Engineering Doctorate) is a two-year, salaried post-master’s traineeship in which you design, build, and validate a real-world system in close collaboration with industry partners. Unlike a PhD, the emphasis lies on delivering a working, validated design rather than on academic publications.

As an EngD candidate, your primary focus will be on the human-centered design, evaluation, and validation of these interactive translation systems. You will own the human side of SignEngine, working closely with a second EngD who leads on the underlying translation engine; the two roles are designed to challenge and strengthen each other, combining practical design work with academic rigor. We welcome applicants from engineering, design, or science backgrounds—for example Industrial Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or Computer Science—combined with a genuine interest in human-centered and social-science perspectives on human-AI interaction.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting user research and co-creation activities in direct collaboration with Deaf and hard-of-hearing users.
• Designing and prototyping functional interaction concepts for sign language translation interfaces.
• Evaluating the comprehensibility, naturalness, and reliability of AI-mediated communication from a user perspective.
• Translating user feedback and evaluation outcomes into system requirements and design recommendations.
• Safeguarding academic rigor in the evaluation of the prototype system. Collaborating within an interdisciplinary team that includes another EngD and a postdoc researcher, as well as project partners such as BrainBite, Digitaal Toegankelijk, and TYD.

EngD in Human-AI Interaction for Sign Language Translation

Introduction
Are you passionate about designing inclusive AI technologies that create real societal impact?

The Department of Industrial Design at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is seeking an EngD candidate for the multidisciplinary research project SignEngine. This project focuses on the development of a real-time, AI-driven translation engine between Dutch Sign Language (Nederlandse Gebarentaal - NGT) and spoken/written Dutch.

As part of this initiative, you will work within a consortium consisting of AI developers, accessibility experts, linguists, and members of the Deaf community to investigate how advanced AI systems can support natural, trustworthy, and accessible communication across language modalities.

Job Description
Most digital services are currently optimized for text and speech, which creates a significant digital divide for the many Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the Netherlands who communicate in NGT. NGT is a rich, visual language that relies on a complex integration of hand shapes, facial expressions, body posture, and spatial grammar.

The SignEngine project addresses this challenge by researching the technical and interactive requirements for real-time translation. To ensure that the developed technology is natural, safe, and culturally appropriate, active co-creation with the Deaf community is integrated into the core design process.

Job Description
An EngD (Engineering Doctorate) is a two-year, salaried post-master’s traineeship in which you design, build, and validate a real-world system in close collaboration with industry partners. Unlike a PhD, the emphasis lies on delivering a working, validated design rather than on academic publications.

As an EngD candidate, your primary focus will be on the human-centered design, evaluation, and validation of these interactive translation systems. You will own the human side of SignEngine, working closely with a second EngD who leads on the underlying translation engine; the two roles are designed to challenge and strengthen each other, combining practical design work with academic rigor. We welcome applicants from engineering, design, or science backgrounds—for example Industrial Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or Computer Science—combined with a genuine interest in human-centered and social-science perspectives on human-AI interaction.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting user research and co-creation activities in direct collaboration with Deaf and hard-of-hearing users.
• Designing and prototyping functional interaction concepts for sign language translation interfaces.
• Evaluating the comprehensibility, naturalness, and reliability of AI-mediated communication from a user perspective.
• Translating user feedback and evaluation outcomes into system requirements and design recommendations.
• Safeguarding academic rigor in the evaluation of the prototype system. Collaborating within an interdisciplinary team that includes another EngD and a postdoc researcher, as well as project partners such as BrainBite, Digitaal Toegankelijk, and TYD.

Job Requirements
To be considered for this position, you should fulfill the following criteria:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as Industrial Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Linguistics, Communication, Cognitive Science, or a related discipline.
• A demonstrable interest in user-centered design, human-AI interaction, or inclusive technology. Experience with, or a strong interest in, prototyping digital and AI-based services and conducting user evaluations.
• A structured, collaborative mindset suitable for working within an interdisciplinary project consortium.
• Proficiency in English (C1 level), written and conversational.
• Working knowledge of Dutch (written at minimum), or the willingness to acquire it, is highly valued, as user research takes place with NGT-signing and Dutch-speaking participants.

Note: Prior knowledge of Dutch Sign Language (NGT) or experience working with the Deaf community is considered a valuable asset, but it is not a strict prerequisite for application. We explicitly invite members of the Deaf community with relevant expertise to apply for this position.

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale TOIO (€ 3.173 gross per month (full-time)).
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) and a compensation for moving expenses.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Department of Industrial Design conducts research on and education in the design of systems with emerging technologies in a social context. We excel at integrating various academic disciplines, including engineering, design, business, and social sciences.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact
Dr. Daniel Tetteroo, d.tetteroo@tue.nl, or Prof.Dr. Emilia Barkakova, e.i.barakova@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HRServices.ID@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• A cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• Copies of relevant BSc and MSc diplomas and grade transcripts.
• The result of an English proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Management Office Assistant

The department of Mathematics & Computer Science (M&CS) is looking for a Management Assistant for the Board secretariat. As a Management Assistant for the Board Secretariat, you will play a critical role in supporting the smooth functioning of the board and office operations within the department. You will act as the primary point of contact for board members and take on various responsibilities to ensure effective coordination and communication. Your duties will require a high level of organization, discretion, and proactivity.

You will perform the following duties:

• You will be part of the M&CS board secretariat and provide secretarial support especially to the managing director, the other department board members, and the departmental office (HR, finance, facility services, policy, communication, PDO) and appointment committees (BACs). You work accurately and remain calm under pressure.
• You organize meetings with internal and external participants, managing complex calendars and ensuring everyone receives the right documents on time.
• You provide full secretarial support for BACs: agenda management, preparing and distributing papers, taking minutes in English, archiving files, and following up on action points.
• You provide practical support such as arranging room reservations, catering, ordering flowers and gifts.
• Planning and organizing social events for the department and office, such as the end-of-year drink and department event.
• Organizing the secretarial meetings. Additionally organizing the Secretary’s Day, scheduling informal coffee moments, and sharing relevant information with other secretaries.
• You handle internal communication by sending out department mailings (Board Business, facility updates, newsletters, information from the board) and by keeping the department mailbox and several mailing lists up to date.
• You take care of administrative and financial processes, such as preparing and processing purchase orders, reimbursements, and travel requests, as well as handling incoming calls and correspondence in a professional and friendly manner.
• You provide practical support in facility and housing matters, including furniture requests, and liaise with Facility Services.
• You act as a backup for the colleague board secretaries to ensure continuity of service.

Management Office Assistant

Introduction
Are you organized, proactive, and ready for the next step in your career, finding satisfaction in providing essential support to a board and office? Then we’d love to have you on our team!

Job Description
The department of Mathematics & Computer Science (M&CS) is looking for a Management Assistant for the Board secretariat. As a Management Assistant for the Board Secretariat, you will play a critical role in supporting the smooth functioning of the board and office operations within the department. You will act as the primary point of contact for board members and take on various responsibilities to ensure effective coordination and communication. Your duties will require a high level of organization, discretion, and proactivity.

You will perform the following duties:

• You will be part of the M&CS board secretariat and provide secretarial support especially to the managing director, the other department board members, and the departmental office (HR, finance, facility services, policy, communication, PDO) and appointment committees (BACs). You work accurately and remain calm under pressure.
• You organize meetings with internal and external participants, managing complex calendars and ensuring everyone receives the right documents on time.
• You provide full secretarial support for BACs: agenda management, preparing and distributing papers, taking minutes in English, archiving files, and following up on action points.
• You provide practical support such as arranging room reservations, catering, ordering flowers and gifts.
• Planning and organizing social events for the department and office, such as the end-of-year drink and department event.
• Organizing the secretarial meetings. Additionally organizing the Secretary’s Day, scheduling informal coffee moments, and sharing relevant information with other secretaries.
• You handle internal communication by sending out department mailings (Board Business, facility updates, newsletters, information from the board) and by keeping the department mailbox and several mailing lists up to date.
• You take care of administrative and financial processes, such as preparing and processing purchase orders, reimbursements, and travel requests, as well as handling incoming calls and correspondence in a professional and friendly manner.
• You provide practical support in facility and housing matters, including furniture requests, and liaise with Facility Services.
• You act as a backup for the colleague board secretaries to ensure continuity of service.

Job Requirements
We are looking for an enthusiastic, committed and independent team player who recognizes himself in the following points:

• Secretarial or administrative education and thinking level at least HBO level and have relevant work experience at board level;
• You are accurate, representative, discrete, reliable and communicative;
• Organizational and supportive, stress-resistant and solution-oriented, think along and shift gears quickly;
• Extensive experience working with MS Office (calendar management via Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Excel);
• Affinity with and knowledge of the primary target groups: (TU/e) students and scientists;
• You communicate effectively in both fluent (business) English and Dutch, orally and in writing;
• You are able to build positive relationships with the board and management, colleagues and relations at all levels of the organization;
• You are a team player with a presentable approach and a hospitality mentality; working in an occasionally hectic office environment energizes you;
• You are a proactive and enthusiastic person, willing to take initiative. You feel comfortable in an administrative and international environment and know how to prioritize under pressure;
• You do not get stressed by a hectic environment where ad hoc appointments and activities frequently take place;
• You enjoy working with different stakeholders;
• You are open to new developments and changes and make recommendations for improving the further professionalization of our management support organization.

If you are concerned that you don’t meet all the requirements sufficiently, but the job does excite you, then be sure to respond, we would love to look at your profile.

Conditions of Employment
An exciting position within an international yet personal university. You are right in the middle of the students, on a green campus within walking distance of the central station. Besides beautiful architecture, you will find varied workplaces and excellent sports facilities. We also offer you:

• A monthly salary of minimum € 3,537 to maximum € 4,673 gross for full-time employment, depending on your knowledge and experience (scale 8 Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
• In addition to vacation pay, a structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• A favorable arrangement for more holidays or a sabbatical.
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits.
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance.
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring, workshops and coaching.
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet.
• A generous employer contribution to the favorable ABP pension plan.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.

Here you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

As one of the largest and most dynamic academic communities in the Netherlands, the department Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS) brings together more than 140 scientific staff, over 250 PhD and EngD candidates, and more than 3000 students. We collaborate closely with leading industrial partners in the Brainport Eindhoven region and with universities across the globe—creating a uniquely fertile environment for both fundamental breakthroughs and applied innovation.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to have more information about the position, please contact the hiring manager: Manon van Leeuwen, Departmental Secretariat M&CS, m.c.j.v.leeuwen@tue.nl@tue.nl or +31 40 247 2750.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services at HRServices.MCS@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
If you are interested, please use the ‘apply’ button to send us your CV and letter of application with your motivation and a description of your qualifications. Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

Screening of candidates begins as soon as applications are received and continues until the position is filled. Where applicable, internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates where they are equally suitable.

The first interviews will be scheduled from week 34 onwards, starting in the week of 17 August, due to the summer holiday period.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Important for non-EU applicants: Please be aware that for this position, specific residence permit requirements apply. If you are a non-EU national, you may not be eligible to legally work in this role under current Dutch immigration regulations. We strongly advise you to contact our Staff Immigration Team (staffimmigration@tue.nl) before applying to check your eligibility and to receive further guidance.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Postdoc in Advanced Manufacturing for Sustainable Heterogeneous Photonic Integration

Introduction
Are you interested about sustainable semiconductor manufacturing? Join TU/e to pioneer circular manufacturing concepts for the next generation of photonic chips, working at the forefront of heterogeneous integration and advanced device transfer technologies.

Job Description
Photonic integrated circuits - or optical chips - have evolved into a mature technology with a broad spectrum of use cases and a diversity of platforms and building blocks. The foundry model is now becoming established where Process Design Kits (PDKs) allow fabless designers to create their own chips with custom functionality. While most of the early progress was based on monolithic integration, the drive for high-performance, cost-effective manufacturing of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) at scale has shifted the focus to heterogeneous integration based on silicon substrates. This approach combines the strengths of different materials within a single PIC platform. In particular, enhancing silicon platforms with efficient III-V active functions (lasers, amplifiers, modulators, detectors) requires the design and fabrication of tailored InP coupons, which can be transferred using advanced micro-transfer technologies.

This postdoctoral focuses on developing a new paradigm for the circular manufacturing of heterogeneous photonic integrated circuits. While heterogeneous integration has emerged as the leading approach for combining III-V active devices with silicon photonic platforms, current manufacturing methods typically consume an entire processed InP wafer in a single fabrication and transfer cycle, limiting material utilization and increasing production costs. The position is funded by the PhotonDelta National Growth Fund.

You will develop transfer-ready InP photonic devices and circuits and associated process technologies that enable selective wafer-scale pick-up of photonic coupons and dies for heterogeneous integration, while supporting the reuse of III-V substrates across multiple fabrication-transfer-reuse cycles. Working in close collaboration with TNO, which is developing the Laser-Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT) process for photonics, your research will span transfer-aware device and layout design, release-layer engineering, substrate recovery strategies, manufacturing process development and process integration. The ultimate goal is to establish scalable and sustainable manufacturing methodologies that reduce material consumption, cost, and waste while strengthening the industrial deployment and long-term resilience of heterogeneous photonic integration in Europe.

The PIC fabrication work will be carried out at the NanoLab@TU/e cleanroom facility (http://www.tue.nl/nanolab), which hosts a state-of-the-art 4” processing line for III-V semiconductors, including an ASML DUV scanner, AIXTRON MOCVD G10 epitaxy reactor, electron beam lithography, diverse plasma etching tools, wafer-level bonding equipment and others.

The position builds on the pioneering work in the foundry production of complex photonic integrated circuits in the JePPIX Pilot Line. The appointed person will work closely with a team of InP PIC technology experts at the Photonic Integration Technology Centre (PITC) and collaborate with integrated photonics researchers. The person is expected to produce PIC building blocks that are accessible to consortium partners. This new position is within the new Chips for Europe PIXEurope Pilot Line, which brings together InP PIC technology, silicon photonics, test automation and packaging within one technology agnostic design flow with Europe's leading research organisations.

Link for PIXEurope: https://www.tue.nl/en/news-and-events/news-overview/05-12-2024-pixeurope-consortium-to-lead-the-european-pilot-line-on-advanced-photonic-integrated-circuits

Link for PITC: https://pitc.nl

Job Requirements

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in electrical engineering, applied physics or similar.
• Deep-tech understanding of one or more aspects of design, manufacturing or testing for relevant photonics IC technology is desirable
• Affinity for hands-on practical work in cleanroom environment
• Knowledge on physics of semiconductor devices and optical waveguides
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership skills.

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10, ranging from € 4,422 (step 4) to € 5,760 gross base salary per month (full-time).
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) and a compensation for moving expenses.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr. Victor Calzadilla, v.calzadilla@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HRServices.ee@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.