One position: PhD – Hybrid photonic integration

Job description

Photonics is widely regarded as the key enabling technology of the 21st century and its application and use in many scientific and industrial fields is accelerated though Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), which combine many optical components into a miniaturized chip format. Similar to electronic ICs, PICs are revolutionizing areas such as healthcare, communication and sensing and have the potential to be disruptive to the whole society. These technologies are receiving major investments through the PhotonDelta National Growth Fund program, with multiple new positions in integrated photonics. https://www.tue.nl/en/storage/electrical-engineering/faculteit/news-and-events/news-overview/22-04-2022-photonics-sector-eindhoven-gets-major-boost-with-11-billion-euro-investment/ This is a large program involving the leading industry, research institutes and universities in the Netherlands.

Environment

The positions are in the Photonic Integration Research Group, www.tue.nl/phi which is a part of the Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute (EHCI) www.tue.nl/ehci. Our strong supporting infrastructure of laboratories, clean room infrastructure www.tue.nl/nanolab and technology know-how allows you to focus on your research and generate new opportunities for collaboration and growth. We believe we can only be world class if our researchers are doing well and feeling good.

The Eindhoven Brainport region, where we are located, is recognized as one of the most important regions in Europe for high-tech developments by the EU. Regional focus on specific technologies creates specific ecosystems to cooperate and commercialize technologies such as integrated photonics, high-tech systems and quantum technology.

We believe that professional development comes hand-in-hand with personal development. Therefore, you will also have access to high-quality training programs on general skills and topics related to research and valorization.

One position: PhD – Hybrid photonic integration

Monolithic integration of photonic components has a lot going for it. In a single fabrication sequence, components with different functionalities can be made and circuits can be composed of such components. However, compromises have to be made to maintain the requirements for monolithic integration. To overcome these limitations we are pioneering novel options to do hybrid integration, where each component can be optimized for its specific task. This is carried out in collaboration with a new startup company PhotonIP (www.photonip.tech).

Position 1 – In this project, we will develop the hybrid integration of new materials that are otherwise not compatible with monolithic integration. The resulting novel building blocks will require in-depth simulation of their required performance based on detailed studies of system applications. For example, this could lead to the development of  hyperspectral sources or the development of circuits for quantum key distribution systems. There will be ample room for your own creativity in choosing the right material systems and components and because of that, the application space is greatly increased, leading to a next generation of photonic integrated circuits.

Job requirements

PhD

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in electrical engineering, or (applied) physics,  with a genuine interest in pursuing a PhD.
• A team player able to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level). There is no Dutch language requirement.

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:

PhD

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will typically spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• 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.
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• 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 your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information and application

Information

If you are enthusiastic about this research topic and would like to know more, please contact Xaveer Leijtens, X.J.M.Leijtens[at]tue.nl or Kevin Williams, K.A.Williams[at]tue.nl at the Photonic Integration group (www.tue.nl/phi).

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

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Application

Your application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your research experience, motivation and qualifications for the position. Also indicate explicitly in the letter the position(s) that you are most interested in and/or fit best to your background.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references who we may contact.

We look forward to receiving your application!