Associate-Full Professor In Opto-Mechatronics

Functieomschrijving

The Opto-Mechatronics group is a relatively young group founded in 2021 as part of the Design for Precision Engineering group embedded in the Control System Technology (CST) Section of the Mechanical Engineering Department. The Opto-Mechatronics group was immediately well received by the unique high-tech eco-system in the Brainport Eindhoven region, the area in Europe for high-end equipment development and home to many leading companies. This has led to significant research funding by industry and rapid growth.

The CST section is among the largest and high-impact research centers in systems and control. It is a unique section in which both state-of-the-art fundamental and applied research is performed and deeply intertwined. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We stimulate a team-oriented culture where ideas are shared and interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged. We prioritize mentorship and career development, providing young professors with strong support and collaboration opportunities. Currently, our section comprises 13 full-time and 17 part-time faculty, and over 50 postdocs and PhD candidates.

Education
Sound design and research on hardware of optical systems starts with profound understanding of Optics, high-precision Mechatronics and Design Principles for Precision Engineering. Unique in this respect is the understanding of the Dutch School of Precision Engineering as developed and educated at the TU/e CST Section. Combining this with clear understanding of optical engineering leads to a unique education of Opto-Mechatronic engineers and research on technology needed for development of groundbreaking high precision optical hardware.

Education focuses on building competence in the required disciplines such as applied optics, design principles for precision engineering, Opto-Mechanics, mechatronics and thermo-mechanics, and bringing these disciplines together using a holistic system engineering approach.

Our research
Opto-Mechatronic research at TU/e faces ideal conditions for success. The region is ideally suited with Dutch high-tech industry’s world-class position in Optics and Opto-Mechatronics, and the world renowned German classical optics industry as its most important trade partner. Furthermore the combination of classical Opto-Mechanics with the Dutch school of Design Principles (ideally suited to optical systems due to the excellent accuracy and stability it enables), TU/e’s collaboration with high-tech industry, focus on system-based design and our strength in Mechatronics, constitutes an ideal and internationally unique mix of huge potential.

The research topics that we have been engaged in are laser satellite communication, 3D printing for Opto-Mechatronic applications, groundbreaking distance metrology and thermo-optical effects. These research topics share three key qualities: significant potential for societal impact, the Dutch high-tech ecosystem is uniquely positioned to both support and benefit, and they allow for significant advances in the short-, medium- and long-term, thus promising long-lived, stimulating research lines.

With our current capacity, to ensure synergy between PhD projects, to build critical mass in selected topics, we currently mainly focus on two of these topics, namely: groundbreaking distance metrology and thermo-optical effects. When we have more capacity in scientific staff, we would like to also increase or restart work in the other aforementioned topics.

The position

• You develop internationally leading research in the field of Opto-Mechatronics and you make significant contributions to high-impact journals.
• You take the lead in initiating and coordinating multidisciplinary research projects with diverse (external) funding sources. Your ability to bring together different disciplines will be key to our success.
• You strengthen connections and collaborations with researchers and research programs within the Mechanical Engineering department, TU/e, The Netherlands, and abroad.
• You develop a network with external partners to support the research and innovation in Opto-Mechatronics.
• You provide academic guidance and leadership to work groups, committees or project teams within the Opto-Mechatronics & Design for Precision Engineering group, the CST section and/or the Mechanical Engineering department.
• You initiate, develop, teach and further improve courses for the BSc, MSc, and PhD education programs of the Mechanical Engineering department. Your passion for education will shape the minds of our students.
• You supervise and mentor BSc, MSc, EngD and PhD students. Your mentorship will empower the next generation engineers.

Functie-eisen

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Physics and a strong research record in Opto-Mechatronics.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• Ability to teach, demonstrated by a successful educational track record. Informed vision on teaching and learning within your own discipline.
• Strong cooperation skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Effective communication and leadership skills, including coaching and mentoring of students and staff, leading a project or chairing a group.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English. 

Arbeidsvoorwaarden

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network in the Brainport Region Eindhoven. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station and city center. In addition, we offer you:

• A career proposal (Associate or Full Professor) will be considered given your experience and track record with the possibility of an immediate tenured position.
• The opportunity to focus your career on education, research or impact. You can develop your personal ambitions and objectives within the strategic objectives of the university.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. For an Associate Professor the range of the gross salary is (scale 13/14) min. €6.286 to max. €8.405 gross per month (on a full-time basis). For a Full Professor the range of the gross salary is (scale HL2/HL1) €6.963 to max. €12.239 per month (on a full-time basis). 
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• Female candidates starting within our department are entitled to join the Irene Curie Program.
• A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.
• High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.
• An excellent technical infrastructure and sports facilities.
• 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 30% facility) and partner career support.
• The start date of this position is flexible and in agreement with the candidate.

Informatie en sollicitatie

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

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

More 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. Maarten Steinbuch via m.steinbuch@tue.nl or dr. Lennino Cacace via l.a.cacace@tue.nl.

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

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

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 and the contact information of three references.
• Description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages).
• Statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages).

The timeline of the recruitment process is as follows:

• May 23, 2025                               Application deadline
• June 5, 2025                                Online interviews with the selection committee

After the online interviews a candidates’ day on our campus will be planned (interview program).

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