Information and Communications Technology Specialist – IC Design Flow Engineer

Introduction
The research position requires design experience for photonic integrated circuits, either through PhD study or equivalent industrial design. The ambition is to develop and validate standard workflows for circuit specification, simulation, modeling, layout and verification. The candidate should have an affinity for software engineering, an awareness of software package interoperability issues, and an ability to work with both commercial and open source tools and methods. The role is expected to enable the integration of design kits, intellectual property and compact models into automated design processes for photonic circuits.

Tasks

• Develop a formalised design flow for photonic integrated circuits for commonly used software tools
• Interface and potentially contribute to open-source tools to implement the PIC design flow
• Integrate and adapt photonic PDKs to software tools
• Apply standardized data exchange methods between software tools
• Derive seamless design flows to enable the integration of photonic technologies into other semicon systems
• Cooperate with and enable a team of designers and design tool developers across Europe
• Break down requirements into tangible deliverables
• More experienced candidates may be expected to establish strong relationships with key stakeholders and engage directly in standards activities.

Job Description
Photonic integrated circuits enable cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of our digital society – ultrahigh bandwidth telecommunication, quantum computing, AI datacenters, non-intrusive sensing, LiDAR, and intelligent manufacturing. This fast-moving field has abundant opportunities for innovation and valorization, yet market visibility into photonics skills requirements remains fragmented and incomplete. You will have the opportunity to work on highly complex and high capability platforms and workflows for designing and validating photonic and electronic integrated circuits. You will be part of a team bringing the latest design methods and fabrication processes together for prototypes and production in various market segments including wireless sensing, new forms of computation, communications, biomedical sensing, quantum technologies and more.

The role is funded by the European Chips Design Platform (EuroCDP) – an EU-wide initiative targeted at integrating chip design resources to offer a one-stop shop to designers. By streamlining access, the platform aims to help reduce the economic and technical barriers of chip design, facilitating fast prototyping and upscaling, and thus stimulating the EU semiconductor industry.

Within the project you will develop a full cloud-based photonic integrated circuit design flow using open-source methods and tools. The work includes the necessary improvements and identification of missing open-source EDA tool features, as well as requirements in terms of quality acceptance and documentation. One of the tasks is interfacing open-source tools and defining data flows between them. Integration of the (existing) PDKs and IP blocks into design tools is another activity to be performed in the project. In this role you will interface with various engineering teams from open-source tool developers, cloud service providers, IP block developers, EDA tool developers to integrated circuit designers.

This position will be in the Photonic Integration group, which has played an important role in open standards such as openEPDA.org and within the open access community jeppix.eu.
JePPIX: http://www.jeppix.eu/
EU chip design platform: https://eurocdp.eu/

Job Requirements

• Doctoral education in electrical engineering or physical sciences or equivalent
• Minimum three years of experience in photonic integrated circuit design
• Experience with various design software, both graphical user interface- and script-based
• Experience with automation and data analysis using python
• Ability to convert high-level requirements to design workflows
• Hands-on experience and contribution to open source software tools is an advantage
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work in teams and collaborate effectively with people in different functions

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
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, scale 10, ranging from € 3,706 to € 5,760 gross base salary per month (full-time).
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• 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, 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.
• 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.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact hiring manager Dima Pustakhod or group chair Kevin Williams.

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.

#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named .., with project number RT203649, within program DECIDE.

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.

Information and Communications Technology Specialist – IC Design Flow Engineer

Photonic integrated circuits enable cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of our digital society – ultrahigh bandwidth telecommunication, quantum computing, AI datacenters, non-intrusive sensing, LiDAR, and intelligent manufacturing. This fast-moving field has abundant opportunities for innovation and valorization, yet market visibility into photonics skills requirements remains fragmented and incomplete. You will have the opportunity to work on highly complex and high capability platforms and workflows for designing and validating photonic and electronic integrated circuits. You will be part of a team bringing the latest design methods and fabrication processes together for prototypes and production in various market segments including wireless sensing, new forms of computation, communications, biomedical sensing, quantum technologies and more.

The role is funded by the European Chips Design Platform (EuroCDP) – an EU-wide initiative targeted at integrating chip design resources to offer a one-stop shop to designers. By streamlining access, the platform aims to help reduce the economic and technical barriers of chip design, facilitating fast prototyping and upscaling, and thus stimulating the EU semiconductor industry.

Within the project you will develop a full cloud-based photonic integrated circuit design flow using open-source methods and tools. The work includes the necessary improvements and identification of missing open-source EDA tool features, as well as requirements in terms of quality acceptance and documentation. One of the tasks is interfacing open-source tools and defining data flows between them. Integration of the (existing) PDKs and IP blocks into design tools is another activity to be performed in the project. In this role you will interface with various engineering teams from open-source tool developers, cloud service providers, IP block developers, EDA tool developers to integrated circuit designers.

This position will be in the Photonic Integration group, which has played an important role in open standards such as openEPDA.org and within the open access community jeppix.eu.
JePPIX: http://www.jeppix.eu/
EU chip design platform: https://eurocdp.eu/

PhD in catalysts development for urea electrosynthesis

A vacancy is available for a PhD in the field of catalyst development for urea electrosynthesis at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), The Netherlands.

Introduction
Do you want to develop sustainable energy storage solutions for the future? Do you want to use your curiosity, technical knowledge, and enthusiasm to contribute to the UN sustainability goals and create a sustainable world? In our multidisciplinary research team, we have a PhD vacancy in catalysts development for urea synthesis.

Join our team to design and improve, in close cooperation with other universities and industries, stable and efficient electrocatalysts based on abundant materials for urea synthesis. This innovative synthesis route is a strong candidate for circular N use and decentralized fertilizer production.

Job Description
Your job
Urea is essential for global food production, yet its conventional manufacture is highly energy-intensive and relies heavily on fossil resources. Developing electrochemical routes that combine captured CO₂ with nitrogen recovered from wastewater offers an opportunity to simultaneously reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, recover valuable nutrients, and enable more circular chemical production. This PhD project will contribute to the transition towards sustainable fertilizer production by developing technologies that transform waste streams into valuable products under mild operating conditions.
The PhD candidate will develop electrocatalytic routes for sustainable urea production by coupling CO₂ reduction with nitrate/nitrite reduction under ambient conditions. The research will focus on developing and screening metallic and bimetallic catalysts, with particular emphasis on identifying the active sites that promote selective N–C bond formation while suppressing competing reactions. The candidate will investigate how catalyst composition, electrolyte conditions and impurities influence activity and selectivity, using electrochemical and mechanistic studies to establish catalyst structure–performance relationships. The most promising catalysts will then be optimized and evaluated under practically relevant electrolysis conditions, contributing to the development of a scalable, low-carbon alternative to conventional urea production.

The team
You will perform your PhD research in a multidisciplinary research team. The Electrocatalytic Synthesis and Electrochemical Interfaces (ESEI) is a vibrant research group focused on the fundamental and applied aspects of catalyzed reactions relevant to a clean, sustainable future. Our primary interest lies in the interface of heterogeneous catalysis and materials design, with a strong emphasis on elucidating the mechanism of (electro)catalytic reactions. The electrochemistry team's research focuses on electrocatalysis and electro(catalytic) synthesis for sustainable processes and the production of high-value chemicals, such as fuels and organic molecules, from “waste” substrates, for example, carbon dioxide and biomass. The main aim is to understand, develop, and optimize electrochemical reactions under practical, relevant conditions to take a step further in using electrochemistry at industrial scale.

Job Requirements

• We are looking for a talented, motivated, and enthusiastic researcher
• Preferably, candidates have a strong background and interest in both chemistry and chemical engineering with experience in electrochemistry, physical chemistry, and/or materials engineering.
• Candidates must have a scientific and research-oriented attitude combined with a hands-on mentality and interest in application-oriented research in collaboration with the industry
• Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are valuable properties
• 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 communication skills in English are a prerequisite (C1 level).
• We prefer candidates with a good team spirit who like to work in an internationally oriented, social environment.

The selection process includes an interview, a scientific presentation, and a writing assignment.

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.

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 Marta Costa Figueiredo, Assistant Professor, m.c.costa.figueiredo@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services, 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.
• Academic transcripts (Bachelor and Master’s)

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

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

Please note

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

Postdoc In Electrocarboxylation of furan derivatives

Introduction
A vacancy is available for a Postdoc in the field of electrocarboxylation of furan derivatives at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), The Netherlands.

Job Description
Your job
The transition towards a circular, fossil-free chemical industry requires new routes to convert renewable carbon feedstocks and CO₂ into high-value chemicals and materials. Furan derivatives obtained from biomass are promising building blocks for sustainable polymers and specialty chemicals, while electrochemical carboxylation offers the opportunity to incorporate CO₂ under mild conditions using renewable electricity. Developing selective, scalable processes could therefore support both CO₂ utilization and the defossilisation of chemical manufacturing.
The postdoctoral researcher will develop and scale up the electrochemical carboxylation of furan derivatives, targeting products including 2-furyl(hydroxy)acetic acid and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). The research will initially focus on identifying suitable electrode materials and optimizing reaction conditions, electrolyte composition, and solvents, using three-electrode configurations and organic carbonate-based media. Building on these results, the researcher will translate the reaction to continuous-flow electrochemical cells, investigating selectivity, reaction rates, mass transport and process stability.

The research team
You will perform your PhD research in a multidisciplinary research team. The Electrocatalytic Synthesis and Electrochemical Interfaces (ESEI) is a vibrant research group focused on the fundamental and applied aspects of catalyzed reactions relevant to a clean, sustainable future. Our primary interest lies in the interface of heterogeneous catalysis and materials design, with a strong emphasis on elucidating the mechanism of (electro)catalytic reactions. The electrochemistry team's research focuses on electrocatalysis and electro(catalytic) synthesis for sustainable processes and the production of high-value chemicals, such as fuels and organic molecules, from “waste” substrates, for example, carbon dioxide and biomass. The main aim is to understand, develop, and optimize electrochemical reactions under practical, relevant conditions to take a step further in using electrochemistry at industrial scale.

This work will be carried in close collaboration with dr Neira d’Angelo an expert on the fields of reaction and catalysis engineering. Fernanda Neira D’Angelo aims to develop novel technologies to intensify sustainable processes, in particular, the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to chemicals and fuels.

Job Requirements

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in electrochemistry or electrocatalysis research, or a comparable domain.
• Ability to conduct high-quality academic research, reflected in demonstrable outputs.
• A team player who enjoys coaching PhD and Master's students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
• A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership skills.

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

In addition, we offer you:

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

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

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

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

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 Marta Costa Figueiredo, Assistant Professor, m.c.costa.figueiredo@tue.nl.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please note

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

PhD in catalysts development for urea electrosynthesis

Your job
Urea is essential for global food production, yet its conventional manufacture is highly energy-intensive and relies heavily on fossil resources. Developing electrochemical routes that combine captured CO₂ with nitrogen recovered from wastewater offers an opportunity to simultaneously reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, recover valuable nutrients, and enable more circular chemical production. This PhD project will contribute to the transition towards sustainable fertilizer production by developing technologies that transform waste streams into valuable products under mild operating conditions.
The PhD candidate will develop electrocatalytic routes for sustainable urea production by coupling CO₂ reduction with nitrate/nitrite reduction under ambient conditions. The research will focus on developing and screening metallic and bimetallic catalysts, with particular emphasis on identifying the active sites that promote selective N–C bond formation while suppressing competing reactions. The candidate will investigate how catalyst composition, electrolyte conditions and impurities influence activity and selectivity, using electrochemical and mechanistic studies to establish catalyst structure–performance relationships. The most promising catalysts will then be optimized and evaluated under practically relevant electrolysis conditions, contributing to the development of a scalable, low-carbon alternative to conventional urea production.

The team
You will perform your PhD research in a multidisciplinary research team. The Electrocatalytic Synthesis and Electrochemical Interfaces (ESEI) is a vibrant research group focused on the fundamental and applied aspects of catalyzed reactions relevant to a clean, sustainable future. Our primary interest lies in the interface of heterogeneous catalysis and materials design, with a strong emphasis on elucidating the mechanism of (electro)catalytic reactions. The electrochemistry team's research focuses on electrocatalysis and electro(catalytic) synthesis for sustainable processes and the production of high-value chemicals, such as fuels and organic molecules, from “waste” substrates, for example, carbon dioxide and biomass. The main aim is to understand, develop, and optimize electrochemical reactions under practical, relevant conditions to take a step further in using electrochemistry at industrial scale.