Assistant Professor In Control Systems Technology for Emerging Application Areas

Would you like to be part of a vibrant and collaborative academic community, contributing to real-world innovations? Join us in shaping the future of 'control systems technology' in the heart of the high-tech region of the Netherlands. The Control Systems Technology section of the Mechanical Engineering department at Eindhoven University of Technology is expanding its team with a passionate and talented Assistant Professor.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering
The department of Mechanical Engineering conducts world-class research that closely aligns with the technological needs of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands. We are deeply embedded in the Brainport Eindhoven ecosystem, enabling our researchers and students to contribute directly to the development of technological breakthroughs with direct real-world impact. With a strong track record of successful spin-offs and active participation in national and international research consortia we offer a dynamic environment where science and engineering strengthen each other. By offering a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects, we aim to develop engineers who have a strong scientific foundation. Our graduates are optimally prepared to address future technological and societal challenges.

The Control Systems Technology Section
The Control Systems Technology (CST) section is among the largest and most impactful research centers in systems and control. The section envisions that a fruitful synergy between system and control, engineering design, optimization, and artificial intelligence will be a key enabler in addressing future societal and industrial challenges in the field of high-tech systems, energy, sustainability, mobility and health.

The section demonstrates that fundamental research and education go hand in hand with societal and industrial valorization. This is evidenced by innovative research projects conducted directly with our industrial partners, the creation of multiple spin-off companies, and the successes of our student teams. We have a broad funding base and a strong track record in both obtaining prestigious personal grants and attracting industrial funding and international collaborations.

Currently, our section consists of 15 full-time faculty members, and over 50 PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers. In addition, CST promotes research impact through the involvement of 18 part-time researchers of whom all have a primary affiliation in industry or research institutes. Our teaching activities are supported by two full-time teacher positions, and our labs are operated by full-time lab technicians.

Since 2025, we have opened our new lab in the new building Gemini-North, which is among the university’s largest facilities featuring state-of-the-art mechatronics, mobility, and robotics systems, supported and operated by our full-time lab technicians.

The Position

Research themes of the candidate
The candidate is expected to develop a research line that progresses the state of the art in a relevant emerging application area, such as (but not limited to):

• Dynamics, learning, monitoring, and/or control of future manufacturing processes, such as heterogeneous integration or additive manufacturing.
• Modeling and process control of nuclear fusion for future energy systems.
• Opto-mechanical and mechatronic system design and engineering of high-tech systems.
• Control systems technology for healthcare applications.
• Resilience, control, and decision-making for autonomous unmanned systems, space technology, and defence applications.
• Generative engineering of high-tech systems and manufacturing processes, including digital twins and lifecycle optimization.

At the same time, the candidate is expected to develop methodologies with broader relevance to the research area of Control Systems Technology, including engagement with the relevant IEEE and IFAC communities.

Responsibilities
As an Assistant Professor, you will gradually develop your activities across research, education, and academic leadership. The responsibilities below describe the scope of the role and the areas in which you are expected to grow, supported by mentoring and professional development opportunities at TU/e.

• You will conduct internationally leading research and contribute to academic output in leading journals and conferences.
• You will be responsible for setting up and driving your own independent research program by writing research proposals to acquire public and/or private funding. You will also contribute to initiating and coordinating multidisciplinary research projects by diverse (external) funding sources.
• You will contribute to or lead the development of the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's and Master's teaching programs, and you will teach at both levels. TU/e supports its junior scientific staff in developing their teaching skills through a training program that leads to the University Teaching Qualification, an official certification from Dutch Universities. In addition, we are participating in the National Graduate School for Systems and Control DISC, in which you can participate if suitable and desired.
• You will supervise and mentor BSc, MSc, EngD and/or PhD students during their final projects and internships. Your mentorship will empower the next generation of engineers.
• You will contribute to the success of the research section, department, and associated institutes by initiating, participating or leading new internal and external collaborations.

In this role, you will contribute to the ambition of the Beethoven program to educate top talent and strengthen research across the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Job Requirements

• A university degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or Control Engineering.
• A PhD degree in a relevant engineering domain.
• You are expected to have expertise and strong interest in developing a leading profile in one of the application areas listed above. As part of your application, please indicate the application area that best aligns with your expertise, research profile, and future ambitions, and describe how your work and background connects to the broad research activities of the Control Systems Technology section and the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• Drive towards societal and industrial impact of your research.
• Motivated and/or ability to teach, contribute to teaching processes, and develop excellent teaching skills.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Effective communication and leadership skills, including the ability to coach and mentor students and staff, lead projects or chair groups.
• Excellent proficiency in English, both written and verbal.

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:

• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. For a starting/junior Assistant Professor, the gross base salary is in scale 11 and ranges from €4,925 to €6,682 per month (based on full-time employment). On top of this, you will receive an annual 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Participation in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependants and occupational disability.
• A start-up package is available to support hiring a PhD student to kickstart your research, covering the associated salary costs for four years.
• The possibility of an immediate tenured position for candidates who present a demonstrably qualified profile and possess at least two years of relevant experience following their PhD.
• A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.
• A Development Track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor.
• High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.
• An excellent technical infrastructure and on-campus children's daycare.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) and partner career support.
• The possibility for part-time employment starting at 0.8 fte (min. 32 hours a week).
• The start date of this position is flexible and in agreement with the candidate.

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

Information and application

About us
Our university
Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

Embedding of our Professors
The department of Mechanical Engineering is organized in eight large sections, each comprising approximately ten Assistant, Associate, or Full Professors. All are considered as Principal Investigator (PI) according to our ‘everybody Professor’ vision. Each PI has the academic freedom to define and develop their own research profile. At the same time, collaboration lies at the heart of our culture; PIs actively engage with one another both within and across the sections. Within each section PIs share responsibility for shaping and delivering part of the curriculum, as well as access to state-of-the-art lab facilities and dedicated technical support.

The PIs and support staff across the department meet regularly to exchange ideas and present latest developments in Education, Research and Innovation/Valorization. These events are highly valued by our scientific staff and contribute to the strong sense of community and team spirit that defines our department.

Our culture
We foster a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We stimulate a team-oriented culture in which ideas are openly shared and interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged. Challenges are met with a proactive, can-do attitude, and we prioritize mutual support and personal growth. Our commitment to wellbeing is reflected in initiatives such as intervision groups, a Wellbeing Signal Group, professional leadership programs, and an active mentoring system.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Questions regarding the scientific content can be directed to:

• prof. Tom Oomen via t.a.e.oomen@tue.nl
• prof. Maurice Heemels via m.heemels@tue.nl
• prof. Theo Hofman via t.hofman@tue.nl

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Josje van Oudenaarden, Senior Recruiter, via j.e.v.oudenaarden@tue.nl or +31 643559575.

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

Curious to hear more about what it is like as a professor at TU/e? Please watch the video.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application. 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, three key publications and their motivation, 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.
• Description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages).
• Statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages).

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 at the latest October 6, 2026, at 23:59 CET.

The recruitment process will typically include the following sequential selection rounds:

• Online interviews with a selection committee in 2nd half of October 2026.
• A shortlist of candidates will be invited to visit our campus, including interviews and an introduction program to get to know the group, the department and our university. We expect this to take place in November/December 2026.
• A final formal interview on our campus with a Recruitment Advisory Committee, which will assess the candidate’s suitability. We expect this to take place in December 2026/January 2027.

We look forward to your application and potentially welcoming you to our university.

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.

Assistant Professor In Control Systems Technology for Emerging Application Areas

...

Research Technician In Integrated Photonics Technology

The Photonic Integration group is looking for a hands-on Research Technician / Process Line Technician to strengthen the shared cleanroom process capability for integrated photonics. The role is part of the group-level technology infrastructure and is focused on process operations, process stability, documentation, and continuous improvement of the process technologies within the integrated photonics process line. The technological work will be carried out in our cleanroom facilities at Nanolab@TU/e (www.tue.nl/nanolab).

This position is defined at the level of shared process capability rather than direct execution of individual project tasks. The technician will help ensure that key process modules are available, reproducible and well documented across multiple research projects across the group. This role is not intended as dedicated fabrication support for a single project or individual researcher. Project interaction is expected and necessary, but the primary responsibility is to maintain and improve shared process capability for the PIC process baseline.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Process operations for selected process clusters within integrated circuit line (e.g. plasma tools or metals or lithography)
• Monitoring and improving process stability at cluster level, and supporting root-cause analysis when process deviations occur.
• Implement the process line improvement strategy through co-definition of short-loop experiments with the line manager
• Implementation of selected short-loop experiments to understand and extend process capabilities with equipment manufacturer(s)
• Coordinate the documentation of process modules
• Perform periodic process flows at the cluster level with multi-project wafers

You will work within a team of research technicians, who are led by a line manager and a group scientific staff. You cooperate with team members to contribute to the baseline technologies complementarily. You also interact and coordinate with the Nanolab cleanroom staff, who own the responsibilities of tool maintenance and repairment, for the tasks of recipe/process-level monitoring and control.

Research Technician In Integrated Photonics Technology

Introduction
Photonics is widely regarded as a key enabling technology of the 21st century. Its application across scientific and industrial domains is being accelerated by photonic integrated circuits, or PICs, which combine many optical components into a miniaturized chip format. Similar to electronic integrated circuits, PICs are transforming areas such as healthcare, communication, sensing, and quantum computing, with the potential to create broad societal and industrial impact.

Eindhoven University of Technology has a strong position in integrated photonics. The Photonic Integration group (PHI) at TU/e has leading expertise in InP-based photonic integrated circuits, heterogeneous integration, and advanced nanofabrication. The group holds several track records in device innovations, and is a key partner in multiple National and European large-scale research programs.

A key enabling factor for this research is reliable and reproducible cleanroom technology. Concepts can only become functional chips when they are supported by stable wafer process lines, well-controlled process modules, and continuous improvement of workflows.

Job Description
The Photonic Integration group is looking for a hands-on Research Technician / Process Line Technician to strengthen the shared cleanroom process capability for integrated photonics. The role is part of the group-level technology infrastructure and is focused on process operations, process stability, documentation, and continuous improvement of the process technologies within the integrated photonics process line. The technological work will be carried out in our cleanroom facilities at Nanolab@TU/e (www.tue.nl/nanolab).

This position is defined at the level of shared process capability rather than direct execution of individual project tasks. The technician will help ensure that key process modules are available, reproducible and well documented across multiple research projects across the group. This role is not intended as dedicated fabrication support for a single project or individual researcher. Project interaction is expected and necessary, but the primary responsibility is to maintain and improve shared process capability for the PIC process baseline.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Process operations for selected process clusters within integrated circuit line (e.g. plasma tools or metals or lithography)
• Monitoring and improving process stability at cluster level, and supporting root-cause analysis when process deviations occur.
• Implement the process line improvement strategy through co-definition of short-loop experiments with the line manager
• Implementation of selected short-loop experiments to understand and extend process capabilities with equipment manufacturer(s)
• Coordinate the documentation of process modules
• Perform periodic process flows at the cluster level with multi-project wafers

You will work within a team of research technicians, who are led by a line manager and a group scientific staff. You cooperate with team members to contribute to the baseline technologies complementarily. You also interact and coordinate with the Nanolab cleanroom staff, who own the responsibilities of tool maintenance and repairment, for the tasks of recipe/process-level monitoring and control.

Job Requirements

• HBO-level education or higher, in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Strong hands-on problem-solving skills during study and/or past work experiences.
• Affinity with cleanroom and microfabrication is an advantage but not a hard requirement. We equally welcome applicants who are motivated to learn.
• Good command of English and communication skills. Ability to document data in a structured way.
• Ability to organize their own work independently, while also contributing to a team-based research environment.

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:

• Full-time employment with a 2-year initial contract, offering the possibility of extension and development into a long-term career within the organization.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 8, ranging from € 3,537 to € 4,673 gross base salary per month (full-time), depending on your knowledge and experience.
• 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%.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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 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 have more information about the position, please contact the hiring manager: y.jiao@tue.nl, Associate Professor, y.jiao.@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. 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. 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.

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.

PhD in Safe AI-based Control

Introduction
Are you fascinated by how machine learning can enhance control without compromising safety or stability? As a PhD candidate, you will develop scalable methods for expressive and flexible neural controllers for complex systems that are safe and verifiable by design.

Job Description
Neural networks can provide the flexibility needed to control increasingly complex dynamical systems, but their opaque and nonlinear behavior makes it difficult to guarantee safety and stability. How can we exploit the expressive power of machine learning without compromising the rigorous guarantees required in safety-critical control applications?

In this PhD project, you will develop methods for the analysis, verification, and design of neural-network-based controllers. Rather than treating safety and stability as properties to be assessed only after training, you will investigate safety- and verification-by-design approaches that incorporate certifiable properties directly into the controller architecture and learning process.

This project offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of machine learning and control theory. You will develop rigorous theory and scalable computational methods for certifying closed-loop safety and stability, with potential directions including control barrier and Lyapunov functions, quadratic constraints, semidefinite programming, and neural-network architectures with intrinsic stability or robustness properties. You will also investigate how physical insight, prior system knowledge, and stabilizing baseline controllers can be combined with learning to improve performance while retaining rigorous guarantees. The developed methods will be evaluated on benchmark problems and more realistic scenarios involving complex dynamical systems.

You will join the Control Systems Technology group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The group offers an open and collaborative environment that combines fundamental and applied research. Its expertise spans data-driven modelling of dynamical systems, control of complex and uncertain systems, motion control for high-tech systems, model predictive, networked, supervisory, neuromorphic, and learning-based control, cyber-physical systems, and optimization. This research is reinforced by close collaborations with industry. You will receive close scientific supervision while having the freedom to shape your research direction, present your work at international conferences, and develop as an independent researcher. Your work will contribute to the foundations of trustworthy artificial intelligence for control and support the reliable use of learning-based controllers in areas such as robotics, motion control, and energy systems.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Systems and Control, Control Engineering, Engineering Cybernetics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field.
• A strong interest in control theory, machine learning, and safety-critical systems.
• A research-oriented and mathematically rigorous mindset.
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in 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. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 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 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, 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.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) for international candidates.

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. Patricia Pauli, Assistant Professor, p.d.pauli@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services, hrservices.me@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 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.