MSCA Doctoral Network (SPARK) PhD Position in Numerical Photonics – Belgium

NanoHelp; Namen; Hybrid; EUR 31.000 - 36.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

3-month at IMEC

6-month at INESC MN

Mobility allowances

Zusammenfassung

The University of Namur is recruiting a PhD candidate for an MSCA SPARK Doctoral Network project on Optical Vortex Generation Using Twisted Bilayer Photonic Crystals. The position combines theory, numerics, fabrication and optical characterisation within a collaborative team across UNamur, IMEC and INESC MN.

The successful candidate will perform modelling, design twisted photonic structures and contribute to secondments, workshops and publications, with strong emphasis on numerical photonics and

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree in Physics, Optics, or a closely related field.
• No doctoral degree at recruitment.
• Strong English-language skills.
• Autonomous and collaborative approach to research.
• Experience in photonics, numerical methods, or optical characterisation is beneficial.

Aufgaben

• Perform theoretical and numerical calculations related to twisted photonic crystals.
• Develop and apply numerical simulation methods for photonic structures.
• Design photonic crystal configurations for optical vortex generation.
• Contribute to fabrication of nanophotonic structures during the project.
• Participate in experimental optical characterisation of structured light.
• Analyse and interpret numerical and experimental results.
• Collaborate with researchers at UNamur, IMEC and INESC MN.
• Participate in secondments and SPARK network training.
• Present research findings through publications and conferences.

Kenntnisse

Strong English-language skills

Autonomous research approach

Collaborative research

Numerical methods

Ausbildung

Master's degree in Physics or related field

Tools

FDTD simulations

MEEP

MPB

Lumerical FDTD

COMSOL Multiphysics

Jobbeschreibung

Organization: University of Namur (UNamur) Faculty: Sciences Department: Physics Department Institute: Namur Institute of Structured Matter (NISM) Location: Namur, Belgium Position: MSCA Doctoral Network (SPARK) PhD Position in Numerical Photonics Reference: 101310184 — SPARK

Project Overview

The University of Namur is recruiting a PhD candidate as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network SPARK for a research project titled “Optical Vortex Generation Using Twisted Bilayer Photonic Crystals.” The project will investigate the emerging field of moiré photonics, focusing on photonic structures formed by two photonic crystals with a controllable relative rotation angle. The research will explore how twisted photonic crystal structures can be designed to generate robust optical vortices carrying orbital angular momentum. The PhD candidate will combine theoretical and numerical modelling with experimental fabrication and optical characterisation. The project brings together expertise from the University of Namur, IMEC and INESC MN, providing interdisciplinary training in numerical photonics, nanofabrication and structured-light characterisation.

Research Objectives

• Designing twisted photonic crystal structures capable of generating optical vortices.
• Investigating the photonic band structures of twisted photonic platforms.
• Studying optical modes and light propagation in moiré photonic systems.
• Developing numerical models and simulations for twisted photonic crystals.
• Exploring robust vortex radiation carrying orbital angular momentum.
• Connecting theoretical predictions with experimental fabrication and optical characterisation.
• Contributing to the SPARK Doctoral Network objective of developing metamaterial-enabled structured-light generation through controlled angular momentum.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform theoretical and numerical calculations related to twisted photonic crystals.
• Develop and apply numerical simulation methods for photonic structures.
• Design photonic crystal configurations for optical vortex generation.
• Contribute to the fabrication of nanophotonic structures during the project.
• Participate in experimental optical characterisation of structured light.
• Analyse and interpret numerical and experimental results.
• Collaborate with researchers at the University of Namur, IMEC and INESC MN.
• Participate in secondments and training activities organised through the SPARK doctoral network.
• Present research findings through scientific publications, conferences, workshops and network-wide events.
• Contribute to collaborative research with members of the wider SPARK consortium.

Research Environment

The PhD will be hosted within the Michaël Lobet Research Team at the NISM institute of the University of Namur. The team has expertise in theoretical and numerical physics, particularly in photonics. The research environment includes experienced researchers such as Prof. Michaël Lobet, Prof. Luc Henrard, Prof. Olivier Deparis and Prof. Alexandre Mayer. The candidate will also benefit from collaborations with universities and research institutions including Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, Stanford University, the University of Navarra, Tsinghua University and DTU. Close collaboration is planned with SPARK doctoral network members and with Prof. Benoit Hackens at UCLouvain.

Computational and Experimental Facilities

The research team has access to high-performance computing resources through the CECI consortium, including CPU and GPU-accelerated facilities. Additional access is available to regional Tier-1 supercomputing resources and EuroHPC initiatives. The laboratory has developed and uses numerical approaches including:

• Rigorous coupled-wave analysis.
• Plane-wave expansion methods.
• Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) methods.
• MEEP.
• MPB.
• Lumerical FDTD.
• COMSOL Multiphysics.

The candidate will also gain access to advanced fabrication and characterisation facilities through IMEC and INESC MN.

Secondments

The doctoral project includes international research secondments:

• 3 months at IMEC, Belgium: Exposure to nanofabrication of photonic structures.
• 6 months at INESC MN, Portugal: Structured-light characterisation using off‑axis digital holography.

These secondments will provide practical experience complementary to the theoretical and numerical research undertaken at the University of Namur.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should have:

• A Master's degree in Physics, Astrophysics, Applied Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering or a closely related field.
• No doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
• Strong English-language skills.
• The ability and willingness to work collaboratively with researchers from external institutions.
• An autonomous and transparent approach to research.

Expertise in photonics, numerical methods, scientific computing, high-performance computing, nanofabrication or optical characterisation is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

MSCA Mobility Requirement

Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity, including work or studies, in Belgium for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding recruitment. This mobility condition is part of the eligibility requirements of the MSCA funding programme.

Funding and Benefits

The position is funded through the SPARK MSCA Doctoral Network.

• Approximately €3,000 gross per month starting salary.
• Potential mobility allowance of approximately €700 per month, depending on eligibility.
• Potential family allowance of approximately €650 per month, depending on family status.
• 36 months of funding through the SPARK MSCA network.
• Additional 12 months of funding from the University of Namur to complete the four-year thesis.
• Employee benefits associated with the additional UNamur funding period.
• 6-month research stay at INESC MN in Portugal.
• 3-month research stay at IMEC in Belgium.
• Research-specific and transferable-skills training.
• Participation in workshops, conferences and network-wide events.
• International and multidisciplinary research experience.

Starting Date

The expected recruitment period is between 1 February 2027 and 1 May 2027. The vacancy specifically lists 1 February 2027 as the offer starting date.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum vitae, including publications and teaching experience where applicable.
• Complete list of Master's-level courses, including ECTS credits and individual grades.
• Personal letter of 1–3 pages describing previous research areas, main research results where applicable, personal goals and suitability for the project.
• Details of up to three referees who may be contacted to assess the applicant's qualifications.
• Any other relevant supporting information.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted by email to: Prof. Michaël Lobet [e-mail] The application deadline is 15 November 2026 at 23:59 Europe/Brussels time. Shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity to interact with members of the research team to assess their potential integration into the research environment.

Research Team and SPARK Network

The SPARK Doctoral Network is coordinated by Humeyra Caglayan at TU/e and brings together researchers from TU/e, UMU, UPNA, UAM, INESC MN/Técnico Lisboa, UNamur, Imperial College London and other partner institutions. The network will recruit 15 PhD students working collaboratively on spatiotemporal photonic technologies.

External Application Link

Official vacancy page: https://academicpositions.com/ad/university-namur/2026/msca-doctoral-network-spark-phd-position-in-numerical-photonics/253002