Assistant Professor

EURAXESS Ireland; Enschede; Remote; EUR 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance 8%

End-of-year bonus 8.3%

Solid pension scheme

Free sports facilities on campus

Parental leave

Job summary

University of Twente invites applications for a leading researcher to establish a strong photonics research programme, covering integrated photonics, nonlinear optics, and quantum-related topics. You will teach across photonics and related engineering disciplines, supervise students at multiple levels, and lead collaborations with national and European programs.

The role emphasizes academic leadership, funding acquisition, and contributing to NLNP’s strategic objectives in photonics, with

Qualifications

• Hold a PhD in Photonics or related field.
• University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) or willingness to obtain within timeframe.
• Strong research vision with international competitiveness.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in photonics, optics, physics, nanotechnology and related disciplines.
• Develop an internationally recognized research program on integrated photonics, focusing on nonlinear interactions.
• Supervise Bachelor's, Master's and PhD students as well as postdocs.
• Mentor early-career researchers and foster collaboration.
• Acquire research funding from national and European programs such as NWO, Horizon Europe, ERC.

Skills

English proficiency

Teaching ability

Independent research

Education

PhD in Photonics

UTQ or willingness

Tools

Nanofabrication

Nonlinear optics

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Twente (UT) Research Field Engineering » Electrical engineering Engineering » Electronic engineering Physics » Optics Physics » Quantum mechanics Researcher Profile Leading Researcher (R4) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 15 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 40.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer 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.

• 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. In this role, you will contribute to the ambition of the Dutch national Beethoven program to attract and educate top talent in the field of photonics and semiconductor.

• Teaching courses in photonics, optics, physics, nanotechnology, and related engineering disciplines;
• Develop an internationally recognized research program on integrated photonics, with a particular focus on nonlinear and optomechanical interactions of light with mattert;
• 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;
• Acquire research funding from national and European programs (e.g., NWO, Horizon Europe, ERC).

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; 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.

• Hold a PhD degree in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related field;
• You are expected to hold a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) or be willing to obtain this qualification within the agreed timeframe;
• Has a clear and distinct research vision and is able to formulate that and execute strategically;
• A strong track record of scientific achievement demonstrated through high quality publications, prizes, patents and/or grants;
• The ability to develop an independent and internationally competitive research programme;
• Demonstrated potential to attract competitive research funding;
• Has strong passion for teaching and is committed to educating and mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers;
• Is committed to delivering high-quality education across a broad range of photonics-related subjects, including nonlinear optics, laser physics, and integrated photonics;
• Good communication skills and an excellent command of English.

Additional Information

• 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.

Screening will be part of the selection procedure. The first rounds of interviews will take place end in the week of 30 November. If you would like more information about this job opening, please contact: Prof. David Marpaung, [e-mail]