PhD in Light-Driven Synthesis and Recycling of Bio-Based Polymers

Introduction
Are you intrigued by the potential of light-driven chemistry to create sustainable, bio-based polymers? Are you passionate about developing innovative recycling technologies that support a more circular use of carbon resources? In this PhD project, you will investigate novel photochemical strategies for the synthesis and chemical recycling of polymers derived from renewable feedstocks. You will also explore the use of these bio-based polymers in the development of durable composite materials. Are you our next PhD candidate in sustainable polymer chemistry?

Job Description
Your research challenge
In this PhD project, you will develop innovative light-driven strategies for the synthesis and chemical recycling of polymers derived from renewable resources. The project combines fundamental photochemistry with polymer science and materials chemistry, giving you the opportunity to explore how concepts developed at the molecular level can be translated into functional polymeric materials.

You will design and synthesize polymers from a range of renewable feedstocks using mild and selective photochemical methods. By studying the underlying reaction mechanisms and photochemical design principles, you will gain a deep understanding of how light can be used to control polymer formation and structure.

A key focus of the project will be chemical recycling. You will develop photocatalytic approaches to selectively break down the polymers into their original building blocks, enabling the recovery and reuse of valuable bio-based feedstocks. In this way, the project aims to establish more circular strategies for the use of renewable carbon resources.

Beyond polymer synthesis and recycling, you will investigate the use of these materials in durable and mechanically robust composites. This will allow you to connect fundamental molecular design with real-world materials performance and explore how sustainable polymers can be integrated into advanced applications.

By bringing together photochemistry, polymer chemistry, recycling, and materials science, you will contribute to the development of new approaches for designing polymers with built-in sustainability and circularity.

An interdisciplinary and international environment
You will conduct your research under the supervision of Prof. Fabian Eisenreich in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at Eindhoven University of Technology. You will join the Polymer Performance Materials research group, which focuses on sustainable polymer chemistry. You will also become part of the interdisciplinary Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, which connects TU/e researchers working across polymer science and related fields.

The position is funded through the EuroTech programme, which promotes research collaboration between leading technical universities across Europe. As part of this project, you will work closely with a research partner at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). The project includes a six-month research stay at DTU, giving you the opportunity to work in an international research environment, exchange ideas with collaborators, and broaden your scientific expertise. Through this network, you will develop new skills, build valuable academic connections, and explore how your research can contribute to the development of future sustainable technologies.

Working at TU/e
At TU/e, you will work in an environment that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on mentality. You will receive personal guidance while having room to develop your own ideas, ambitions, and talents. Together with supportive colleagues from different disciplines and backgrounds, you will push the boundaries of sustainable polymer chemistry and contribute to research with clear societal relevance.

Ideal start date: November 01 2026

Job Requirements

• We are seeking a highly talented, motivated, and enthusiastic candidate with a BSc and MSc degree in Chemistry with a strong background in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and/or catalysis. Related engineering studies will not be considered.
• Experience in the synthesis and characterization of organic molecules is essential.
• Strong analytical skills, initiative, creativity, and problem-solving abilities are highly valued.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required.
• The candidate should be naturally curious, eager to learn, and strongly interested in science and research.
• A scientific mindset, combined with a hands-on approach and an interest in application-oriented research, is highly desirable.
• The candidate should have a strong team spirit and enjoy working in an international, collaborative, and socially engaging environment.
• Interviews, a scientific presentation, and a small writing assignment will be 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. € 3,204 - 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.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• 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.

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry bridges science and engineering to create sustainable solutions for society. By combining expertise in molecules, materials, and processes, we drive innovations that address global challenges in energy, circularity, health and future technology. Through world-class research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong industry partnerships, we educate engineers and scientists who turn scientific discoveries into technologies with lasting societal impact. Together, we create chemistry for a better world.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Prof. Fabian Eisenreich, f.r.eisenreich@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HRServices.helix@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.
• A transcript of your BSc and MSc studies.

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.
• Unfortunately, due to the current closure of the Dutch embassy in Tehran, we are unable to consider applications from candidates residing in Iran at this time, as the required immigration procedures cannot be completed. For further information, please visit our FAQ page.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

PhD in Light-Driven Synthesis and Recycling of Bio-Based Polymers

Your research challenge

In this PhD project, you will develop innovative light-driven strategies for the synthesis and chemical recycling of polymers derived from renewable resources. The project combines fundamental photochemistry with polymer science and materials chemistry, giving you the opportunity to explore how concepts developed at the molecular level can be translated into functional polymeric materials.

You will design and synthesize polymers from a range of renewable feedstocks using mild and selective photochemical methods. By studying the underlying reaction mechanisms and photochemical design principles, you will gain a deep understanding of how light can be used to control polymer formation and structure.

A key focus of the project will be chemical recycling. You will develop photocatalytic approaches to selectively break down the polymers into their original building blocks, enabling the recovery and reuse of valuable bio-based feedstocks. In this way, the project aims to establish more circular strategies for the use of renewable carbon resources.

Beyond polymer synthesis and recycling, you will investigate the use of these materials in durable and mechanically robust composites. This will allow you to connect fundamental molecular design with real-world materials performance and explore how sustainable polymers can be integrated into advanced applications.

By bringing together photochemistry, polymer chemistry, recycling, and materials science, you will contribute to the development of new approaches for designing polymers with built-in sustainability and circularity.

An interdisciplinary and international environment
You will conduct your research under the supervision of Prof. Fabian Eisenreich in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at Eindhoven University of Technology. You will join the Polymer Performance Materials research group, which focuses on sustainable polymer chemistry. You will also become part of the interdisciplinary Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, which connects TU/e researchers working across polymer science and related fields.

The position is funded through the EuroTech programme, which promotes research collaboration between leading technical universities across Europe. As part of this project, you will work closely with a research partner at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). The project includes a six-month research stay at DTU, giving you the opportunity to work in an international research environment, exchange ideas with collaborators, and broaden your scientific expertise. Through this network, you will develop new skills, build valuable academic connections, and explore how your research can contribute to the development of future sustainable technologies.

Working at TU/e
At TU/e, you will work in an environment that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on mentality. You will receive personal guidance while having room to develop your own ideas, ambitions, and talents. Together with supportive colleagues from different disciplines and backgrounds, you will push the boundaries of sustainable polymer chemistry and contribute to research with clear societal relevance.

Ideal start date: November 01 2026

PhD in Dynamic Space–Time Interfaces for High-Speed THz Beam Control

Introduction
What new physics emerges when a THz interface changes on the timescale of the wave itself?
In this PhD project, you will develop dynamically modulated THz interfaces and explore frequency conversion, beam steering, and nonreciprocal propagation through electromagnetic design, device development, and THz experiments.

Job Description
The sub-THz regime is emerging as an important platform for future wireless communication, radar, and sensing, but controlling these waves dynamically remains a major challenge. Current interfaces can shape a THz wave in space, or tune their response in time, but doing both rapidly and with subwavelength spatial control is much harder. This limits how quickly THz beams can be steered, reconfigured, or made nonreciprocal.

In this PhD project, you will explore a different regime: space–time interfaces whose electromagnetic response changes while the wave is interacting with them. Fast modulation allows the interface to exchange energy and momentum with the field, enabling effects such as frequency conversion, dynamic beam steering, anomalous scattering, and nonreciprocal propagation.

Your research will span the full cycle from concept to experiment. You will:

• Develop concepts for fast spatial and temporal modulation of THz waves.
• Model wave interactions with dynamically changing interfaces.
• Design structures combining subwavelength spatial control with high modulation rates.
• Explore suitable modulation mechanisms, including MEMS-based architectures and alternative dynamic platforms.
• Fabricate and experimentally characterize the resulting devices.
• Build THz experiments to study beam steering, frequency shifts, and nonreciprocal response.
• Demonstrate GHz-rate two-dimensional spatiotemporal beamforming and explore its use in reconfigurable and nonreciprocal THz communication.

The project will primarily target the sub-THz regime, approximately 0.3–1 THz. MEMS-based structures are one promising route, but the broader goal is to identify and realize practical platforms that can modulate THz waves fast enough to access genuinely dynamic wave phenomena.

The project is part of SPARK – Spatiotemporal Photonic Technologies, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network bringing together academic and industrial partners across Europe. You will be based at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and supervised by Dr. Ahmed H. Dorrah, with Prof. Michaël Lobet at Université de Namur, Belgium, as co-supervisor.

At TU/e, you will join the Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics (PSN) group, working in an interdisciplinary environment spanning photonics, electromagnetics, structured waves, nanofabrication, and experimental optics.

You will spend 6 months at Université de Namur, focusing on theoretical modelling of GHz space–time interfaces, and 3 months at TNO, working on THz mode (de)multiplexing and system-level characterization. You will also take part in SPARK training schools, workshops, conferences, and network-wide activities.

Job Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Applied Physics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics/Photonics, Microsystems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• A strong foundation in electromagnetics, wave physics, microwave/THz engineering, and/or photonics.
• Experience with numerical modelling or scientific programming, for example using Python, MATLAB, COMSOL, CST, Ansys, or similar tools.
• Interest or experience in dynamic electromagnetic systems, THz technology, metasurfaces, MEMS, RF/microwave systems, or experimental wave characterization.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to an international and interdisciplinary research team.
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills.

Experience with THz measurements, RF/microwave systems, microfabrication, MEMS, time-varying electromagnetics, or electromechanical modelling is an advantage, but not required. You do not need expertise in all these areas; we value a strong technical foundation, scientific curiosity, and the motivation to develop new skills during the PhD.

MSCA Eligibility Requirements
At the date of recruitment:

• You must not already hold a doctoral degree.
• You must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: you must not have resided or carried out your main activity, such as work or studies, in the Netherlands for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding the recruitment date. Exceptions defined under the MSCA rules apply.

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 at the heart of one of Europe’s largest tech hubs.

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.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• 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.

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 lab PI, dr. Ahmed H. Dorrah, a.h.dorrah@tue.nl.

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

#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named Spatiotemporal photonic technologies (SPARK), with project number 101310184, within program HE / MSCA.

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

• Cover letter highlighting your motivation, research goals, and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and contact information of 2-3 references.
• 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. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. This position is funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks, Grant Agreement No. 101310184 (SPARK).

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.
• Unfortunately, due to the current closure of the Dutch embassy in Tehran, we are unable to consider applications from candidates residing in Iran at this time, as the required immigration procedures cannot be completed. For further information, please visit our FAQ page.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

PhD in Dynamic Space–Time Interfaces for High-Speed THz Beam Control

The sub-THz regime is emerging as an important platform for future wireless communication, radar, and sensing, but controlling these waves dynamically remains a major challenge. Current interfaces can shape a THz wave in space, or tune their response in time, but doing both rapidly and with subwavelength spatial control is much harder. This limits how quickly THz beams can be steered, reconfigured, or made nonreciprocal.

In this PhD project, you will explore a different regime: space–time interfaces whose electromagnetic response changes while the wave is interacting with them. Fast modulation allows the interface to exchange energy and momentum with the field, enabling effects such as frequency conversion, dynamic beam steering, anomalous scattering, and nonreciprocal propagation.

Your research will span the full cycle from concept to experiment. You will:

• Develop concepts for fast spatial and temporal modulation of THz waves.
• Model wave interactions with dynamically changing interfaces.
• Design structures combining subwavelength spatial control with high modulation rates.
• Explore suitable modulation mechanisms, including MEMS-based architectures and alternative dynamic platforms.
• Fabricate and experimentally characterize the resulting devices.
• Build THz experiments to study beam steering, frequency shifts, and nonreciprocal response.
• Demonstrate GHz-rate two-dimensional spatiotemporal beamforming and explore its use in reconfigurable and nonreciprocal THz communication.

The project will primarily target the sub-THz regime, approximately 0.3–1 THz. MEMS-based structures are one promising route, but the broader goal is to identify and realize practical platforms that can modulate THz waves fast enough to access genuinely dynamic wave phenomena.

The project is part of SPARK – Spatiotemporal Photonic Technologies, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network bringing together academic and industrial partners across Europe. You will be based at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and supervised by Dr. Ahmed H. Dorrah, with Prof. Michaël Lobet at Université de Namur, Belgium, as co-supervisor.

At TU/e, you will join the Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics (PSN) group, working in an interdisciplinary environment spanning photonics, electromagnetics, structured waves, nanofabrication, and experimental optics.

You will spend 6 months at Université de Namur, focusing on theoretical modelling of GHz space–time interfaces, and 3 months at TNO, working on THz mode (de)multiplexing and system-level characterization. You will also take part in SPARK training schools, workshops, conferences, and network-wide activities.

PhD in Spatiotemporal Light Generation with Frequency-Gradient Metasurfaces

Introduction
How can we control light in space, time, and frequency to make photonic systems faster, more compact, and more versatile?
In this PhD project, you will develop frequency-gradient metasurfaces for ultrafast beam steering, temporal focusing, and self-torque, combining design, nanofabrication, and femtosecond experiments.

Job Description
Current photonic components can shape light with remarkable spatial precision, but controlling its spatial, spectral, and temporal structure simultaneously remains far more difficult. This limits how fast, compact, and versatile optical systems can become. In this PhD project, you will develop frequency-gradient metasurfaces that couple these degrees of freedom and enable ultrafast control of structured light. The aim is to realize beam steering, temporal focusing, and self-torque generation on femtosecond timescales, and to establish compact platforms relevant to next-generation imaging, communication, and photonic information processing.

Your research will span the full cycle from concept to experiment. You will:

• Develop design strategies for 2D and 3D frequency-gradient metasurfaces.
• Model and optimize their electromagnetic, spectral, and dispersive response.
• Explore ultrafast beam steering, temporal focusing, and self-torque generation through harmonic beating.
• Fabricate the designed nanophotonic structures using TU/e cleanroom facilities.
• Build femtosecond optical experiments to characterize the generated spatiotemporal light fields.
• Use experimental results to refine the designs and improve device performance.

The project is part of SPARK – Spatiotemporal Photonic Technologies, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network bringing together academic and industrial partners across Europe. SPARK will train 15 doctoral candidates working across spatiotemporal metamaterials, structured light, ultrafast optics, nanophotonics, and advanced fabrication.

You will be based at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and supervised by Dr. Ahmed H. Dorrah, with Prof. Marco Piccardo at INESC MN, Portugal, as co-supervisor. A key part of the PhD is international and intersectoral training. You will spend 6 months at INESC MN in Portugal, focusing on theoretical modelling, holography, and ultrafast characterization, and 3 months at NKT Photonics in Denmark, working on supercontinuum-laser characterization.

You will also take part in SPARK training schools, workshops, webinars, conferences, and network-wide activities. These will give you exposure to different research environments, broaden your technical background, and connect you with researchers and industry partners across Europe.

At TU/e, you will join the Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics (PSN) group, where you will work in an interdisciplinary environment with strong expertise in nanophotonics, meta-optics, structured light, and optical characterization, with access to advanced nanofabrication and ultrafast optical facilities.

Job Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Applied Physics, Physics, Optics/Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• A strong foundation in electromagnetics, optics, and/or photonics.
• Experience with scientific programming or electromagnetic modelling, for example using Python, MATLAB, COMSOL, Lumerical, Tidy3D, or similar tools.
• Interest or experience in nanophotonics, metasurfaces, structured light, ultrafast optics, nanofabrication, or optical experiments.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to an international and interdisciplinary research team.
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills.

Experience with femtosecond optics, dispersion engineering, nonlinear optics, nanofabrication, or structured-light characterization is an advantage, but not required. You do not need expertise in all these areas; we value a strong foundation and the motivation to develop new skills during the PhD.

MSCA Eligibility Requirements
At the date of recruitment:

• You must not already hold a doctoral degree.
• You must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: you must not have resided or carried out your main activity, such as work or studies, in the Netherlands for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding the recruitment date. Exceptions defined under the MSCA rules, such as compulsory national service or certain refugee/temporary protection procedures, apply.

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 at the heart of one of Europe’s largest tech hubs.

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.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• 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.

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 lab PI, dr. Ahmed H. Dorrah, a.h.dorrah@tue.nl.

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

#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named Spatiotemporal photonic technologies (SPARK), with project number 101310184, within program HE / MSCA.

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

• Cover letter highlighting your motivation, research goals, and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and contact information of 2-3 references.
• 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. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. This position is funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks, Grant Agreement No. 101310184 (SPARK).

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.
• Unfortunately, due to the current closure of the Dutch embassy in Tehran, we are unable to consider applications from candidates residing in Iran at this time, as the required immigration procedures cannot be completed. For further information, please visit our FAQ page.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.