PhD in Neuromorphic Photonics for Event-Driven Sensing via Heterogeneous Integration

Photonics is widely regarded as the key enabling technology of the 21st century and its application and use in many scientific and industrial fields is accelerated through Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), which combine many optical components into a miniaturized chip format. Similar to electronic ICs, PICs are revolutionizing areas such as healthcare, communication and sensing, and have the potential to be disruptive to the whole society. A diversity of PIC-based sensors have been proposed, such as environmental sensors (e.g. gas sensing), medical sensors (e.g. optical coherence tomography), fiber Bragg grating sensors for temperature or strain measurement, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and others.

Recently, information processing has been evolving towards architectures inspired by biological neural systems. In particular, neuromorphic photonics aims to develop artificial photonic neurons that process information through sparse, event-driven optical spikes, enabling sensing systems with unprecedented speed and energy efficiency. A central objective of the project is to develop highly sensitive photodetector neurons by combining resonant tunneling diode (RTD) excitable dynamics with quantum-dot active devices capable of providing a nonlinear amplifying response to extremely weak optical stimuli. These photonic neurons will be realized as compact InP coupons designed for heterogeneous integration onto silicon-based photonic platforms, enabling scalable co-integration with advanced photonic and electronic circuits. The developed technology will be validated in a proof-of-concept event-driven sensing application, where relevant information is processed only when meaningful events occur, significantly reducing latency, data volumes and energy consumption.

You will investigate the complete technology stack, including device physics, photonic and electronic design, modelling, chip layout, cleanroom fabrication, heterogeneous integration and experimental characterization. You will collaborate closely with researchers working on photonic neurons and heterogeneous integration, contributing to the development of a new generation of energy-efficient intelligent photonic sensors.

You will be part of the Photonic Integration (PhI) group at TU/e, which has a long track record of setting pioneering results in indium phosphide (InP) based photonic integration. We are a key player in the field, as evidenced by our founding and coordinating role in the globally leading Joint European Platform for photonic integrated components and circuits JePPIX. We take a leading role in driving InP-based photonic integration towards the next level. A key enabler for our work is our state-of-the-art Nanolab 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.

Hoogleraar-afdelingshoofd Reumatologie

Functie
Het Radboudumc is op zoek naar een hoogleraar-afdelingshoofd Reumatologie. Als afdelingshoofd geef je richting aan de koers van de afdeling wat betreft zorg, onderzoek, onderwijs en opleiding en aan de regionale en nationale positionering in het vakgebied. Het leidinggeven ga je combineren je met een nader in te vullen leeropdracht en patiëntenzorg.

In deze functie volg je het huidige afdelingshoofd op die met emeritaat gaat. De afdeling zoekt een afdelingshoofd/hoogleraar die met overtuiging richting geeft aan de verdere ontwikkeling van de afdeling. Het nieuwe afdelingshoofd werkt daarbij samen met het team aan een breed gedragen toekomstvisie en versterkt daarmee de uitvoering van alle kerntaken. Er is ruimte voor eigen professionele inbreng en groei.

Je belangrijkste taken zijn:

Als afdelingshoofd

• Ontwikkelen en uitdragen van een duidelijke strategische visie op de academische Reumatologie en de verdere profilering van de afdeling.
• Leidinggeven aan de afdeling en verbinden van collega’s met hun ideeën, expertise en ambities om onderlinge samenwerking te versterken;
• Versterken van de academische pijlers onderzoek, opleiding, onderwijs;
• Versterken van regionale, nationale en internationale samenwerkingsverbanden en inspelen op relevante ontwikkelingen binnen gezondheidszorg en maatschappij.

Als hoogleraar

• Aan het afdelingshoofdschap is een leeropdracht verbonden. Er is ruimte om de invulling van de leeropdracht samen met de afdeling vorm en inhoud te geve
• Daarnaast draag je als hoogleraar de missie van het onderzoeksprogramma Chronic Inflammatory Diseases (CID) uit en weet je anderen te inspireren om aan dit programma bij te dragen.
• Als kandidaat ben je benoembaar op de leeropdracht Reumatologie en fungeert als academisch boegbeeld op het gebied van wetenschappelijk onderzoek, innovatieve behandelingen en andere vernieuwingen in het specialisme reumatologie.

Als arts

• Als reumatoloog ben je 2 dagen per week werkzaam in de patiëntenzorg.

Postdoc : Generating extreme ultraviolet light from plasma with a 2µm laser

Work Activities
This experiment-oriented postdoctoral position lies at the interface between fundamental physics and industrial application. It is part of activities in ARCNL’s Source Department. The research activities of the Source Department and its EUV Plasma Processes group aim at the atomic- and molecular-level understanding of the fundamental dynamics in the operation of contemporary and future plasma-based sources of extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) light for nanolithography.

In our group’s research we, for example, uncovered the quantum origins of the generated EUV light [Torretti, Nature Comms. Nature Commun. 11, (2020)], found a universal law for expanding plasma [Sheil, Phys. Rev. Lett. 133, (2024)], and found that less than half the initial droplet volume is present on thin tin sheet targets as used in EUV sources [Liu, Phys. Rev. Appl. 20, (2023)], and work on an alternative EUV source solution [Mostafa, Appl. Phys. Lett. 123, (2023)] – a concept that is most relevant for the current vacancy.

Background
The revolutionary introduction of EUV lithography was the culmination of several decades of collaborative work between industry and science – a Project Apollo of the digital age. The short, 13.5-nm EUV wavelength enables patterning the smallest, smartest, and most energy-efficient features on chips. The required 13.5-nm radiation is generated from plasma that is produced from tiny tin droplets that are heated by powerful laser pulses. At ARCNL, we are now thinking about the next generation of light sources: Can we make more energy efficient and more powerful EUV light sources?

Project goal
To identify what light source will power the next generation of lithography machines, we need to understand what plasma conditions are optimal for producing light from plasma, but also we need to understand how such plasma should be generated, and what laser technology should be used. You will join an interdisciplinary team of several PhD students and postdocs in ARCNL’s highly cohesive Source Department and have as an objective to design & execute experiments, and work with advanced laser technologies, to understand the emission of light and ions from plasma that you generate.

Qualifications

• You have (or will soon obtain) a PhD in (Applied) Physics.
• Knowledge of experimental laser and/or plasma physics is an asset, especially if combined with strong hands-on laboratory skills.
• Programming experience, particularly in Python, is welcomed.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English are required.

Work environment
The Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL) focuses on the fundamental physics and chemistry involved in current and future key technologies in nanolithography, primarily for the semiconductor industry. ARCNL is a public-private partnership between the Dutch Research Council (NWO), the University of Amsterdam (UvA), the VU University Amsterdam (VU), the University of Groningen (UG), and the semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML. ARCNL is located at the Amsterdam Science Park, The Netherlands, and has a size of approximately 100 scientists and support staff. See also www.arcnl.nl

Working conditions
The position is intended as full-time (40 hrs / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation for Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of up to 3 years, with a starting salary of €4,552 gross per month, scale 10 (CAO-OI), and a range of employment benefits. A favorable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. ARCNL assists any new foreign researchers with housing, subject to availability, and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

More information?
For further information about the position, please contact:

Dr. Oscar Versolato
Group leader EUV Plasma Processes
E-mail: versolato@arcnl.nl
Phone: +31 (0)20-851 7100

Application
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below.

Please send your:

• Resume
• Motivation letter on why you want to join the group (max. 1 page).

Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code
ARCNL is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.

PhD position - Biochemical characterisation of signal integration in plants

Join us in unlocking the secrets of plant signal integration!
Plants must cope with a wide diversity of stresses such as drought, soil salinity and pathogen attack. Their survival hinges on the continuously perception, integration and interpretation of an immense number of signals from the environment and generating the appropriate responses. Millions of years of evolution have allowed plants to adapt to almost every climate and has made them to masters of perceiving and responding to countless signals. These signals usually occur simultaneously, yet plant cells must rapidly turn this complex input into coordinated responses. Although much is known about responses to individual signals, the molecular mechanisms by which plants use dedicated proteins to integrate multiple co-occurring signals remain largely unexplored.

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate for the second PhD position in an NWO VIDI-funded project led by Dr. André Kuhn. This position focuses on elucidating the biochemical and cell-biological basis of a signal integration via B4-RAF kinase signalling complexes. You will join an ambitious, collaborative and international team in the Plant Cell Biology group within the Green Life Sciences cluster at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences from the University of Amsterdam.

This is what you will do
The overarching project investigates how plant cells rapidly integrate co-occurring osmotic, salinity and pathogen-derived signals. Your PhD project will examine B4-RAF protein kinases as intracellular signal integrators. These kinases are activated rapidly by diverse environmental stimuli and occur in distinct subcellular puncta, suggesting that they assemble into signalling complexes (signalosomes) that coordinate early cellular responses.

You will (1) identify and validate the components of B4-RAF signalling complexes in Arabidopsis thaliana, (2) establish how these complexes assemble and localize under distinct environmental conditions, and (3) determine how these complexes contribute to stress resilience. The work combines plant molecular biology, protein biochemistry, functional proteomics, quantitative live-cell imaging and genetics.

Core research activities include:

• identify candidate B4-RAF signalosome components through immunoprecipitation coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (IP–MS/MS), building on existing proximity-labelling datasets;
• validate protein interactions and co-localisation using approaches such as FRET-FLIM, co-immunoprecipitation and live-cell confocal imaging;
• generate and characterise Arabidopsis loss-of-function and fluorescent reporter lines;
• use microfluidics-coupled live-cell imaging to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics, environmental conditionality and subcellular localisation of B4-RAF signalling complexes;
• integrate proteomics, imaging and genetic datasets to develop mechanistic models of rapid plant signal integration.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• complete a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration (four years);
• systematically and independently design, perform, analyse and document experiments;
• be an active and responsible member of the research group
• collaborate closely with other group members (incl. PhD candidate, technicians and postdoc);
• discuss work with group members and at departmental meetings, and incorporate feedback;
• take a leading role in writing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals;
• participate in the PhD training programme of the University of Amsterdam and the national graduate school Experimental Plant Sciences (EPS);
• assist with teaching and supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s students.

You will have the opportunity to:

• work at the interface of plant genetics, biochemistry, functional proteomics and quantitative imaging;
• present results at national and international scientific conferences;
• expand academic, professional and personal skills;
• contribute to science communication and outreach activities;
• thrive in a team that values impactful research and mutual support;
• combine the advantages that a collaborative project offers, including access to state-of-the-art research facilities at the Swammerdam Institute and the University of Amsterdam.

Your Profile
You are passionate about science and have a particular interest in biochemistry and cell biology. You are eager to understanding complex environmental signalling mechanisms in plants at the molecular level and have a strong interest in protein signalling mechanisms, especially kinase regulation, protein complexes or phosphorylation-dependent signalling. You enjoy combining experimental biochemistry with molecular genetics and quantitative microscopy. You are methodical, curious and able to take initiative, while also valuing close collaboration in an interdisciplinary and international research environment.

Your experience:

• an MSc degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience in at least two of the following areas: protein biochemistry, (plant) molecular biology, confocal microscopy, proteomics and protein-protein interaction assays;
• ability to plan experiments carefully, maintain high-quality laboratory records, analyse results critically and troubleshoot experimental work;
• fluent in English, both written and spoken;
• ability to work independently as well as constructively in an international team.

Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in plants or analysis of proteomics and/or imaging data (e.g. using Python or R) is a plus.

This is what we offer you
A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is not later than February 1st, 2026. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

Your salary will range between €3,204 in the first year to €4,051 gross per month in the last year of employment, based on a fulltime employment (38 hours per week). This sum does not include the 8% holiday pay and the 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favorable tax agreement, the 30% ruling, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Amsterdam Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime);
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

You will work in this team
The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is located at the vibrant Amsterdam Science Park. SILS is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Science (FNWI). With around 240 employees, SILS carries out internationally high-quality life science research and provides education within various university programs. Research is also carried out in close cooperation with the medical, biotech, chemical, flavor, food & agricultural, and high-tech industries, and revolves around 4 main themes, Cell & Systems biology, Neurosciences, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.

The Green Life Sciences cluster focusses on understanding the functioning of plants from basic developmental aspects to complex physiological traits. Research is carried out in five research groups (Plant Cell Biology, Plant Physiology, Molecular Plant Pathology Plant Hormone Biology and Development & (Epi)Genetics) to study plant biology at the level of molecules, cells, organisms and the interactions between organisms and their environment.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

PhD-student to study transcription stress in neurons

Correct gene transcription by RNA polymerase II to transcribe new RNA molecules is crucial for proper cell function. However, transcription by RNA polymerases can be blocked by DNA damage, for example by UV-light or other chemicals. This transcription-blocking DNA damage can therefore cause cellular dysfunction and cell death, eventually resulting in DNA damage-induced aging and genome instability. Cells counteract these deleterious effects by transcription-coupled repair (TCR), which specifically removes DNA damage in our genes, thereby safeguarding transcription. Our lab has identified several important factors that provided novel insights in this repair pathway (van Sluis et al., Nature Cell Biology 2024; Ramadhin et al., Molecular Cell 2024; van Toorn et al., Molecular Cell, 2022; Geijer et al., Nature Cell Biology, 2021; Tresini et al. Nature, 2015; Schwertman et al. Nature Genetics, 2012).

In this project, we will investigate how mechanical stress affects transcription-coupled repair and transcription stress in differentiated human neurons. Neurons are long-lived, non-dividing cells that depend strongly on continuous and accurate transcription, but they are also exposed to changes in cellular and nuclear mechanics that may interfere with genome stability. Using iPSC-derived neurons, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and advanced live-cell imaging, we will investigate how mechanical stress influences transcription stress and transcription-coupled repair, and how defects in these pathways alter the mechanical properties and stress responses of neurons. This project will provide new mechanistic insight into the interplay between mechanical stress, transcription integrity and DNA repair, and may help explain why differentiated neurons are particularly vulnerable during aging and neurodegenerative disease.