Are you interested in leading a research group in optics and photonics at the heart of one of Europe's largest tech hubs? Are you also keen on mentoring and teaching the next generation of researchers and engineers? All at a place that houses world-class fundamental research and sits in the heart of Europe's premier high-tech region for information technology? At the Technical University of Eindhoven (TU/e) we offer a vibrant, inclusive and inspiring place to work. Apply now and join our dynamic, inclusive and innovative research environment!

This vacancy is part of the Irène Curie Program and is currently only open to female candidates. Male applicants will not be considered for the position.

Job Description

Recent advances in design and fabrication methods enable the control of light at scales well below the wavelength. We are approaching the point where the electromagnetic field can be shaped even at the sub-nanometer scale and its interaction with nanoscale (quantum) emitters reproducibly controlled. This opens the way to the investigation of new regimes in light-matter interaction, and to novel functionalities in communication, computing, sensing, energy harvesting, and lighting. Significant research effort is dedicated to these developments worldwide and industrial applications are already starting to appear. For this position, we envision a mix of fundamental exploration of the limits of light confinement and light-matter interaction, and the application of these concepts into novel devices for imaging, communication, energy harvesting, and/or metrology/sensing. The balance between fundamental and applied research will depend on the profile and interests of the applicant.

You will be leading your own research group independently, while still being able to profit from the benefits that come with being part of a larger research unit and working in an open-atmosphere collegial department. You will also participate in, and contribute to, the development of the Applied Physics bachelor and master teaching program including specialized Master courses in optics/photonics. The TU/e education offerings in this area respond to the increasing needs of industry in the Netherlands, which will considerably expand its activities and hires in optics/photonics in the coming years, and to the ambition of the TU/e to play a key role in this ecosystem.

Potential research topics include:

• Quantum optical processes at the nanoscale.
• Extreme light confinement and coupling at the nanoscale.
• Ultrafast science, transient and nonlinear phenomena.
• Reconfigurable and active photonics.
• Optical metasurfaces for imaging, sensing and metrology.
• Inverse design of nanophotonic structures.
• Advanced simulation, fabrication, and characterization methods for nano-optics and metasurfaces.
• Nanophotonic devices for optical communication and sensing.
• Nanophotonic concepts for energy harvesting and illumination.

To support you, we provide you with a startup package and access to state-of-the-art research facilities such as our clean room. We offer a dedicated mentoring scheme, and free access to a broad portfolio of training programs for personal development and academic leadership. The TU/e also offers a stimulating environment for collaborations with other research units, departments, and industry. Within TU/e, exciting collaborative opportunities exist with other departments and multidisciplinary institutes.

The Dutch funding system is particularly attractive for junior faculty building up a new group, as there are several substantial grants available exclusively for junior people.

You will be part of the Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics (PSN) group, within the Department of Applied Physics and Science Education at TU/e. The TU/e also offers a stimulating environment for collaborations where, other synergies could be created with groups working on magneto-optics, spintronic-photonic integration, optical biosensing, nanomaterials for photonics, quantum sensing and quantum computing.

• A PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or a comparable domain.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstrable outputs.
• Affinity and willingness to teach and contribute to the Applied Physics bachelor and master curriculum.
• Collaborative skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Effective communication and leadership skills, including coaching and mentoring of students and staff, or leading a project.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English.

We offer 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 and city center. In addition, we offer you:

• A development track with the prospect of becoming Associate Professor and the possibility of an immediate tenured position.
• A tailor-made start-up package to kickstart your career.
• As part of the Irène Curie Program, you are entitled to a substantial, additional, start-up package.
• Free access to high-quality training programs for academic leadership, the university teaching qualification program, research and valorization competences, and a dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as the partner career support program to support accompanying partners, an international spouse program and sports facilities.
• The opportunity to focus your career on research, teaching, or impact. You can develop your personal ambitions within the strategic objectives of the university.
• A gross monthly salary of min. € 4537,- and max. € 7056,- (scale 11 and scale 12) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, and - depending on your personal situation - a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility).
• Possibility for part time employment starting at 0.8 fte.