Assistant Professor

Utwentecareers; Enschede; On-site; EUR 59,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance 8%

End-of-year bonus 8.3%

Pension scheme

Free sports facilities on campus

Parental leave

Career development

Job summary

University of Twente seeks an Assistant Professor to establish a strong research programme in photonics and related fields. You will teach courses in photonics, optics, physics and nanotechnology, supervise students, and build collaborations with industry and academia to advance quantum and communication technologies.

You will lead an internationally recognized program, secure external funding, mentor early-career researchers, and contribute to the NLNP goals and the university's strategic

Qualifications

• Hold a PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) or willingness to obtain within agreed timeframe.
• Clear and distinct research vision with ability to formulate and execute strategically.
• Strong track record of scientific achievement through publications, prizes, patents and/or grants.
• Ability to develop an independent and internationally competitive research programme.
• Demonstrated potential to attract competitive research funding.
• Passion for teaching and education across photonics-related subjects.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in photonics, optics, physics, nanotechnology and related engineering disciplines.
• Develop an internationally recognized research program in integrated photonics, including nonlinear and optomechanical interactions.
• Supervise Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers.
• Mentor early-career researchers and foster collaboration and inclusivity.
• Acquire research funding from national and European programs.

Skills

Research leadership

Teaching commitment

Communication skills

English proficiency

Strategic planning

Education

PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related field

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. 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.

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;
• 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;
• 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.

Your profile

• 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.

Our offer

• 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.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

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.