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Shaping the Future of Broadband Photonic Circuits through Inverse Design and Metastructure Innovation
About the Position
The Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) invites ambitious researchers to apply for a 4-year PhD position in Integrated Metaphotonics. This groundbreaking field merges nanotechnology, photonics, and inverse design to create ultra-compact, high-performance photonic components for applications in imaging, sensing, and communications.
As part of the Photonic Integration (PhI) group, you will explore broadband wavelength demultiplexers, metaoptical structures, and topology-optimized metasurfaces, combining concept development, simulation, fabrication, and optical characterization.
🔍 Job Details
| Field | Natural Sciences; Engineering |
|---|---|
| Job Type | PhD |
| Education Level | University Graduate (Master’s) |
| Weekly Hours | 38 hours per week |
| Salary | €3,059 – €3,881 per month |
| Location | De Zaale, 5612AZ, Eindhoven |
| Contract | 4 years, full-time |
| Deadline | 6 September 2025 |
| Published On | 5 August 2025 |
| Vacancy ID | 2025/360 |
| Time Remaining | 27 days |
Role Overview
You will investigate inverse optimization approaches for designing metastructures that can manipulate light in unprecedented ways. This research will target devices such as:
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Multiplexers
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Mode/polarization converters
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Isolators
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Broadband demultiplexers for UV–NIR
The work involves numerical modeling, cleanroom nanofabrication, and advanced optical measurements, aiming to integrate these devices into scalable Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs).
Key Responsibilities
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Develop and simulate metaoptical device designs using topology optimization.
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Fabricate photonic components in TU/e’s Nanolab cleanroom.
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Perform optical characterization of integrated devices.
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Collaborate with experts in material platforms, inverse design, and chip-scale photonics.
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Publish results in leading journals and present at international conferences.
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Contribute up to 15% of your time to teaching tasks.
Candidate Profile
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Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
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Strong background in electromagnetics, optics, and photonics.
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Programming skills in Python, MATLAB, C++, or experience with COMSOL/Lumerical/Tidy3D.
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Hands-on lab experience; cleanroom experience is a plus.
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Strong research mindset with interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
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Fluent in English (C1 level).
What TU/e Offers
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Full-time, 4-year PhD contract with evaluation after 9 months.
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Competitive salary plus holiday allowance (8%) and year-end bonus (8.3%).
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Pension scheme, paid maternity/paternity leave, relocation support, and 30% tax ruling for internationals.
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World-class research facilities and high-quality training programs.
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Campus childcare, sports facilities, and green working environment.
About TU/e & the PhI Group
The Photonic Integration Group at TU/e is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in InP-based photonic integration. TU/e is a founding member of the JePPIX platform, leading the advancement of photonic circuit technology in Europe. The Nanolab cleanroom provides cutting-edge III-V material processing capabilities, enabling world-class device fabrication.
Application Process
Submit your application by 6 September 2025 including:
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CV
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Motivation letter
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Academic transcripts
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Contact details of two referees
📧 Contact:
Dr. Humeyra Caglayan – [email protected]
HR Advisor: Kevin Caris – [email protected]
Official Link to Apply
🔗 Apply Now – TU/e Career Page
Disclaimer: This summary is for informational purposes only. Details may change — always refer to the official TU/e vacancy page for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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