Assistant Professor

1000scholars; Enschede; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sport facilities on campus

Parental leave (family-friendly)

Career development courses

Job summary

University of Twente NLNP is seeking an Assistant Professor to establish a strong research programme in photonics and related areas. You will teach courses, supervise students, and lead innovative educational activities across the Faculty of Science and Technology.

You will contribute to national and international collaborations, secure external funding, and help translate research into societal impact while supporting NLNP's position as a leading photonics centre.

Qualifications

• PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related field with publications and conferences.
• Ability to develop an independent, internationally competitive research programme.
• Experience in securing research funding and collaborating with industry and government.
• Teaching experience at an internationally accredited university; fluent English.
• Willingness to obtain UTQ if not already held.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in photonics, optics, physics, nanotechnology and related fields.
• Develop and innovate educational programmes and course content.
• Supervise Bachelors, Masters, PhD students and postdocs.
• Mentor early-career researchers and foster an inclusive research environment.
• Lead new research initiatives and establish collaborations national and international.

Skills

UTQ Teaching qualification

Vision and ambition

Research funding networking

English proficiency

Teaching experience

Education

PhD in Photonics/Physics/EE

Job description

Job description

You are expected to establish a strong research programme in one or more of NLNP's strategic areas, including integrated microwave photonics, integrated optical quantum technologies, optical communications, or optical clocks.

A central research theme within NLNP is the development of advanced photonic integrated circuits that enable the generation, processing, distribution, and measurement of optical, RF, and microwave signals. Research leverages both linear and nonlinear optical effects to create highly functional, low-loss, and reconfigurable photonic systems with capabilities such as:

• RF photonic filtering and signal processing;


• True-time delay generation and phase control;


• Optical pulse shaping and frequency synthesis;


• Integrated optical communication subsystems;


• Programmable photonic signal-processing architectures.

You will contribute to the further development of cutting-edge integrated photonic technologies, combining expertise in photonic integration, nonlinear optics, nanofabrication, and system-level design to address fundamental scientific challenges and enable future communication, sensing, timing, and quantum systems.

As an Assistant Professor, you will actively contribute to education and talent development within the Faculty of Science and Technology by:

• Teaching courses in photonics, optics, physics, nanotechnology, and related engineering disciplines;


• Developing and innovating educational programmes and course content;


• Supervising Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD students, as well as postdoctoral researchers;


• Mentoring early-career researchers and fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment.

Beyond teaching and supervision, you will demonstrate academic leadership through the development of new research initiatives, the establishment of national and international collaborations, the acquisition of external funding, and active contributions to the strategic development of the NLNP group and the broader photonics community. In line with the University of Twente's entrepreneurial spirit, you actively seek opportunities to translate scientific discoveries into societal and economic impact.

Your research activities are expected to contribute to technological innovation in fields such as:

• Wireless communication networks (5G/6G and beyond);


• Optical communication systems;


• Quantum technologies;


• Precision timing and optical clock systems;


• Radar, sensing, and space applications;


• Spectrum management and advanced signal processing.

You will engage with academic, industrial, and societal partners to promote knowledge transfer, innovation, and the development of technologies that address real-world challenges. Through your research, teaching, and leadership, you will help strengthen NLNP's position as a leading centre for photonics research and education while contributing to solutions for the communication, sensing, timing, and quantum technologies of the future.

Requirements

• You are expected to hold a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) or be willing to obtain this qualification within the agreed timeframe.


• Vision and ambitious drive (seeing opportunities and possibilities, showing ambition);


• Hold a PhD degree in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field and have experience in research, which is apparent from publications in reputable academic journals, presentations in international scientific conferences, and other academic activities;


• The ability to develop an independent and internationally competitive research programme;


• Active in networks for acquiring research funding, and have ambition and experience in working closely with companies and government agencies;


• Teaching experience (both lecturing and tutoring) at an internationally accredited university;


• Good communication skills and an excellent command of English;


• A (equivalent of) University Teaching Qualification certificate, or be willing to obtain this, and have a real passion for, and the ambition to become a creative and effective teacher.

Conditions of employment

• A full-time position for 18 months, with the intention for a contract extension for an indefinite period of time.


• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).


• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 4.925,- to € 7.573,- (salary scale 11 or 12) based on your experience.


• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.


• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.


• Free access to sports facilities on campus.


• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).


• Excellent career support and courses for your professional and personal development.