PhD in Meta-Optics for Quantum Photonics and Computational Imaging

Introduction
How far can we push control over light at the nanoscale?
In this PhD project you will design next-generation metasurfaces that efficiently manipulate quantum states of light and enable compact and precise computational imaging systems.

Job Description
Controlling the interaction between light and matter is central to modern photonics and to technologies such as quantum computing, optical communications, imaging, and sensing. A key challenge is to engineer optical components that can precisely shape the spatial and temporal properties of light with high efficiency, speed, and resolution.

Recent advances in platforms such as metasurfaces, metamaterials, digital holography, 2D materials, and nanophotonics have opened new opportunities for wavefront control, yet fundamental limitations and trade-offs remain.

In this PhD project, you will investigate the fundamental limits of wavefront shaping systems and develop new meta-optical concepts to overcome them. The project will combine electromagnetic modeling, nanofabrication, and optical characterization to realize multi-layer metasurface platforms. The resulting devices will be integrated into photonic systems targeting applications in quantum information processing, computational imaging, free-space communications, and machine vision.

The project will leverage TU/e’s nanofabrication cleanroom and advanced optical characterization facilities. Possible research directions include:

1. Multi-layer nano-optics for efficient quantum state manipulation and detection.
2. Tailoring the spatial and temporal coherence of optical beams for remote sensing.
3. Light transport through scattering and disordered media with active meta-optics.
4. Metasurface integration on-chip for neuromorphic computing.

You will also become a member of the Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics (PSN) group which consists of ~45 researchers (PhD students, postdocs and staff). The group covers a wide range of topics including the investigation of optical processes in resonant nanostructures, the exploration of novel nanophotonic structures for applications in sensing, optical communications and lab on chip, and the physics of light transport in complex and disordered media. The group also plays a key role in the Casimir Institute and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems at TU/e, and within the PhotonDelta growth fund program. Besides research you will also contribute to education within our group and the Department of Applied Physics and mentor BSc and MSc students during their research projects.

Job Requirements
A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in (applied) physics, electrical engineering, material science or related subjects. Solid background in electromagnetics, optics and photonics. Knowledge of programming languages such as Python, MATLAB or electromagnetics modeling packages such as COMSOL, Lumerical, and Tidy3D. Understanding of nanofabrication protocols such as nanolithography, atomic layer deposition, and etching. Prior experience with setting and aligning optical components and lasers is an asset. A background in quantum optics is a plus. Ability to work independently and in a larger team. Fluent spoken and written English (C1 Level).

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 four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate, for you and, if applicable, your partner.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

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 Applied Physics and Science Education is a research-driven department housing high-quality educational programs, all featuring strong connections between research and education. Our research is clustered in three focal areas: Fluids, Bio and Soft Matter (FBSM); Plasmas and Beams (PB); and Nano, Quantum and Photonics (NQP). Our shared ambition is to equip the next generation of ‘engineers of the future’ with the knowledge and the skills they will need to impact science, innovation, and society, from regional to global scales.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Ahmed H. Dorrah, a.h.dorrah@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact hrservices.apse@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

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 by 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 2-3 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.
• A scanned copy of your bachelor’s and master’s transcripts.
• A copy of your most significant publication and/or a 1-Page description of your MSc thesis.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

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.

PhD in Meta-Optics for Quantum Photonics and Computational Imaging

Controlling the interaction between light and matter is central to modern photonics and to technologies such as quantum computing, optical communications, imaging, and sensing. A key challenge is to engineer optical components that can precisely shape the spatial and temporal properties of light with high efficiency, speed, and resolution.

Recent advances in platforms such as metasurfaces, metamaterials, digital holography, 2D materials, and nanophotonics have opened new opportunities for wavefront control, yet fundamental limitations and trade-offs remain.

In this PhD project, you will investigate the fundamental limits of wavefront shaping systems and develop new meta-optical concepts to overcome them. The project will combine electromagnetic modeling, nanofabrication, and optical characterization to realize multi-layer metasurface platforms. The resulting devices will be integrated into photonic systems targeting applications in quantum information processing, computational imaging, free-space communications, and machine vision.

The project will leverage TU/e’s nanofabrication cleanroom and advanced optical characterization facilities. Possible research directions include:

1. Multi-layer nano-optics for efficient quantum state manipulation and detection.
2. Tailoring the spatial and temporal coherence of optical beams for remote sensing.
3. Light transport through scattering and disordered media with active meta-optics.
4. Metasurface integration on-chip for neuromorphic computing.

You will also become a member of the Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics (PSN) group which consists of ~45 researchers (PhD students, postdocs and staff). The group covers a wide range of topics including the investigation of optical processes in resonant nanostructures, the exploration of novel nanophotonic structures for applications in sensing, optical communications and lab on chip, and the physics of light transport in complex and disordered media. The group also plays a key role in the Casimir Institute and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems at TU/e, and within the PhotonDelta growth fund program. Besides research you will also contribute to education within our group and the Department of Applied Physics and mentor BSc and MSc students during their research projects.

R&D Engineer Epitaxy for Advanced Photonic Integrated Circuits

Introduction

• Design and optimize epitaxial layerstacks for lasers and modulators to meet target performance
• Execute epitaxy process steps as part of full PIC fabrication flows in collaboration with process engineers
• Develop and maintain a library of agile epitaxy processes to enable generic photonic integration

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 developments have previously focused on C-band, bandgap engineering allows indium phosphide photonic circuits to operate at other wavelength ranges. To fully exploit this potential, new photonic building blocks must be developed, including lasers, modulators, photodetectors, and passive components. Extending their operation to the O-band (1310 nm) and the 2-µm band will unlock opportunities in data center interconnects as well as a broad range of sensing applications in healthcare, agrifood, mobility, and others.

We are seeking an R&D engineer to develop novel epitaxial layerstacks for photonic integrated lasers and modulators in both the O-band and 2-µm band. The work will begin at single layerstacks and evolve into multi-layerstacks integration onto the same wafer via etch-and-regrowth techniques. Through applying a strong foundation in materials science and engineering, you will design semiconductor layerstacks for optimal performance of active and passive devices. Key targets will include the accurate control of bandgap, surface morphology, doping profiles and layer interfaces, mostly focusing on AlInGaAs compounds. The epitaxy developments will contribute to novel photonic building blocks for next-generation photonic integrated platforms. Close collaboration with colleagues with device engineers and process engineers is foreseen.

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

• Doctorate degree in materials engineering, applied physics or similar.
• Deep-tech understanding of one or more aspects of design, manufacturing or testing for relevant semiconductor foundry technology
• Knowledge on growth of semiconductor materials via MOCVD/MOVPE
• Ability to identify tradeoffs for optimizing optoelectronic layerstacks
• Affinity for hands-on practical work in cleanroom environment
• Knowledge on physics of semiconductor devices
• Ability to understand complex problems and being able to formulate strategies to solve them
• Expertise in photonic integration is not a must, but having relevant background alongside enthusiasm and curiosity to apply your unique experience is required.

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 as a Researcher; this is a temporary position with the possibility of a 2 year extension.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 11 (min. € 4728 max. € 6433).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• 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.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate, for you and, if applicable, your partner.
• 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.

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.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager, Akanksha Kapoor, a.kapoor@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Kevin Caris HR-Advisor, k.t.caris@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. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

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.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

R&D Engineer Epitaxy for Advanced Photonic Integrated Circuits

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 developments have previously focused on C-band, bandgap engineering allows indium phosphide photonic circuits to operate at other wavelength ranges. To fully exploit this potential, new photonic building blocks must be developed, including lasers, modulators, photodetectors, and passive components. Extending their operation to the O-band (1310 nm) and the 2-µm band will unlock opportunities in data center interconnects as well as a broad range of sensing applications in healthcare, agrifood, mobility, and others.

We are seeking an R&D engineer to develop novel epitaxial layerstacks for photonic integrated lasers and modulators in both the O-band and 2-µm band. The work will begin at single layerstacks and evolve into multi-layerstacks integration onto the same wafer via etch-and-regrowth techniques. Through applying a strong foundation in materials science and engineering, you will design semiconductor layerstacks for optimal performance of active and passive devices. Key targets will include the accurate control of bandgap, surface morphology, doping profiles and layer interfaces, mostly focusing on AlInGaAs compounds. The epitaxy developments will contribute to novel photonic building blocks for next-generation photonic integrated platforms. Close collaboration with colleagues with device engineers and process engineers is foreseen.

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

PhD Process Intensification for Efficient Biomass Valorization

Introduction
Are you passionate about sustainability and sustainable process engineering? Are you motivated by the challenge of advancing the valorization of biowastes into sustainable chemicals and materials? Do you thrive in a highly innovative, creative and multicultural environment, and want to lead the way towards a sustainable future? If all these sounds fascinating, then this PhD position may be something for you!

Job Description
How can we selectively convert complex lignocellulosic biomass into high-value platform chemicals with high efficiency and minimal waste? Achieving this demands innovative reactor and process concepts that steer reaction pathways by incorporating advanced catalysis, intensifying transport phenomena, and integrating reaction and separation in a single system. In this project, you will tackle the fundamental challenge of controlling selectivity in multi-step biomass conversions through smart multi-catalyst, multi-reactor design.

You will contribute to the Sustainable Process Engineering (SPE) program of the Sustainable Process Engineering group at Eindhoven University of Technology (see our website). Within this collaborative and internationally connected team, you will work at the interface of catalysis, reaction engineering, and process intensification. You will closely collaborate with national and international partners specializing in biomass conversion.

Your research will focus on designing and optimizing integrated reactor concepts that combine sequential catalytic reactions with in-situ separation. Using a multi-scale approach, you will couple catalyst development, kinetic and mass-transfer studies, and reactor modeling with experimental validation. The goal is to realize a compact, efficient reactor system.

Your work contributes directly to the transition from fossil-based to renewable chemical production. By enabling efficient valorization of non-edible biomass, you help develop circular, decentralized, and sustainable chemical processes that reduce carbon emissions and dependence on petroleum resources.

You will join a supportive, diverse, and interdisciplinary research environment where you can develop technical expertise in catalysis and reactor engineering, strengthen your modeling and experimental skills, and grow as an independent researcher. You will present your work at international conferences, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to impactful scientific publications.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related disciplines. Experience with biomass conversion and catalysis engineering will be positively considered.
• We are looking for a talented, motivated and enthusiastic researcher. Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are highly desired.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• You are a naturally curious person who is eager to learn more and has a strong interest in research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are a prerequisite.
• We prefer candidates with a good team spirit, who like to work in an internationally oriented, social environment.
• The project will involved collaboration with leading industrial partners.

An interview, a scientific presentation and a writing assignment are part of the selection procedure.

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 four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate, for you and, if applicable, your partner.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

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 Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at Eindhoven University of Technology conducts leading research spanning molecular design, functional materials, and advanced process engineering, bridging chemistry and engineering to address global industrial and societal challenges.

Within the department, the Sustainable Process Engineering (SPE) group develops innovative reactor and process technologies for efficient, circular, and environmentally friendly chemical production, combining advanced modelling, experimentation, and process intensification to drive sustainable transformation.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Prof. Fernanda Neira D’Angelo (e-mail: m.f.neira.dangelo@tue.nl, phone: 31 40 247 8281.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Marjolein von Reth, HR-advisor, m.w.v.reth@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

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

The PhD candidate will work in the Sustainable Process Engineering Group. Check our website: www.tue.nl/spe

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by 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. We give priority to complete applications.

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.