PhD Position in Integrated Photonics | TU Delft

Job description
As technology demands smaller, more efficient systems, integrated photonics offers a transformative approach to achieving these goals. Nonlinear processes enable key functionalities like frequency conversion and signal modulation. These capabilities are essential for applications in data communication, sensing, and quantum technologies, particularly in the RF domain and at extended frequencies above 100 gigahertz.
You can make a difference by joining an emerging research group at the cutting edge of integrated nonlinear photonics, focusing on pioneering studies using platforms such as thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN). This role focuses on advancing materials and designs to unlock the full potential of nonlinear photonics in compact and scalable platforms.
As one of the first Ph.D. students of QuIN Photonics Lab, you will contribute to design of the components and building up characterization setups to study electrical and optical properties of electro-optic components fabricated on TFLN platform. This project will be carried out in a close collaboration with Harvard University.
The breakdown of your activity (estimated) is 50% component design (numerical simulation using CST Microwave Studio, Lumerical, Tidy3D, …) and 50% building setup and characterizing devices. Depending on your interest, you can be also involved in developing fabrication methods in the state-of-the-art cleanroom at our famous Kavli Nanolaboratory.

You will be responsible for:

• Modelling and design of electro-optic components
• Building electrical (DC to RF) and optical characterization setups
• Characterizing electro-optic components and devices on TFLN chips
• Documentation of the progress and results
• Mentoring Bachelor and Master students

You will join a dynamic and ambitious research team at its inception, offering a rare opportunity to shape the direction and culture of an emerging lab. As one of the first members, you'll play a key role in innovative projects, contributing directly to high-impact research while gaining valuable leadership experience. This is a chance to collaborate closely with the lab leader and influence innovative ideas, while developing your skills in a supportive and exciting environment. We meet regularly to share ideas and knowledge or socialize. In addition, you will receive all the training you need to evolve as a scientist in this fast-developing field.
Be part of building something exciting from the ground up!
More importantly, you will be a part of TU Delft family, a top university in an international environment, surrounded by talented people with a passion for science, design and technology.

Job requirements
We are looking for a motivated and self-driven candidate who works well in a multicultural team and can communicate with a wide range of collaborator, leveraging her/his independence and strong communication skills. Strong communication skills allow us as a team to build and maintain relationships with professionals, technical experts and research staff. We seek for a candidate with a creative and flexible mindset who develops her/his own models and exploring new possibilities, always ready to tackle challenges and innovate.

Basic Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in Optics/Photonics, Applied Physics, Quantum Technology, Electrical Engineering or relevant fields.
• Hands on experience with one or more programming languages for data analysis (Python, C/C++, …).
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (subject to TU Delft eligibility criteria).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity/experience with modelling photonic/electronic devices using numerical simulation software such as CST Microwave Studio, Lumerical, Tidy3D, COMSOL, HFSS, …
• Prior experience in building an electrical/optical characterization setup
• Research experience and publications in relevant topics
• Cleanroom fabrication expertise is a plus.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2901 per month in the first year to € 3707 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Shima Rajabali, srajabali@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 2 Februari 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• One-page motivation letter, including your personal introduction and the reason(s) you want to pursue a PhD in integrated nonlinear photonics at TU Delft and our research group. If you have previously written academic works (theses, papers, …), please include them or provide links to them in your application package.
• CV
• Copies of your BSc and MSc degrees and transcripts, if available.

Please include the names and contact information of at least two relevant references in your CV. We will contact them only if you are shortlisted for the final interview.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.