Assistant Professor In Condensed Matter Theory

1000scholars; Eindhoven; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ABP pension

8% holiday allowance

8.3% year-end bonus

Flexible working hours

On-campus daycare

Sports center access

Job summary

TU/e in Eindhoven is seeking an Assistant Professor in condensed matter theory to establish an independent research programme and lead a team within APSE. The role emphasizes theory-experiment collaboration across materials and quantum physics, with opportunities to attract external funding and supervise researchers and students.

The position offers a fulltime contract, a Development Track toward Associate Professor, and a comprehensive package including research facilities, mentorship, and

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field.
• At least two years of post-PhD research experience or equivalent.
• For TU/e PhD graduates, at least one year in an external environment.
• Commitment to educator development and teaching contributions.
• Strong publication record and evidence of high-quality research.
• Ability to establish an independent and internationally recognized program.
• Willingness to teach and contribute to curriculum development.
• Strong collaboration skills and interface work between theory and experiment.
• Ability to supervise and mentor students and early-career researchers.
• Excellent written and verbal proficiency in English.

Responsibilities

• Establish an independent research programme and lead a research group.
• Develop complementary expertise within APSE and TU/e in materials and optics domains.
• Collaborate with international experimental groups to guide and interpret experiments.
• Attract external funding and supervise postdoctoral, doctoral, and undergraduate researchers.
• Teach within the Applied Physics Bachelor's and Master's programs and contribute to curriculum development.

Skills

Strong collaboration skills

Teaching and curriculum development

Independent research leadership

English proficiency

Publication track record

Education

PhD in Physics or closely related field

Job description

Job description

Are you passionate about developing theory to predict and explain novel physical phenomena? And are you excited about the opportunity of collaborating with experimentalists that perform cutting-edge experiments on innovative material platforms, such as quantum materials, optoelectronic materials, 2D materials, metamaterials, topological insulators, and moiré matter? Join the Applied Physics department and create breakthroughs together!

This position offers an outstanding opportunity to establish scientific leadership, develop an independent research line, and contribute to pioneering research at the intersection of condensed matter physics and material science.

Information

We invite applications for an Assistant Professor position in condensed matter theory. We welcome applicants with a strong background in theoretical physics, with a focus on condensed matter theory and the desire to contribute to experimental and technological developments in materials research.

The position is embedded within the Department of Applied Physics and Science Education (APSE) at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). APSE hosts internationally recognised researchers in materials science, optics and photonics, quantum physics, plasma and fluid dynamics. This position aims to strengthen the department's theoretical physics profile while creating strong connections between theory and experiment.

The successful candidate will establish an independent research programme and develop complementary expertise that enhances ongoing research within APSE, particularly in the Materials and Optics & Photonics domains. Research areas may include condensed matter theory, semiconductors and quantum materials, strongly correlated and topological systems, light-matter interactions, nanophotonics, optoelectronics, and 2D materials.

A key strength of this position is the opportunity to collaborate closely with internationally leading experimental groups across APSE and TU/e. These collaborations provide a rich environment in which theoretical insights can directly guide experiments, help interpret observations, and open new scientific directions. At the same time, the successful candidate will have the freedom to develop a distinctive and internationally visible research profile of their own.

You will build and lead your own research team, attract external funding, and supervise postdoctoral and doctoral researchers, and Master and Bachelor students. The position offers ample opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations across TU/e and with external academic and industrial partners, particularly within the high-tech ecosystem of the Brainport region.

Teaching is an integral part of the role. You will contribute to the Bachelor's and Master's programmes in Applied Physics, teaching courses in areas such as quantum mechanics, solid-state physics, electromagnetism, and condensed matter theory. You will also help shape future educational developments in your area of expertise.

To support your development, TU/e provides a startup package, access to advanced computational infrastructure and research facilities, mentoring, and opportunities for professional and leadership development.

In this role, you will contribute to the ambition of the Beethoven program to educate top talent and strengthen research across the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Requirements

PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field.

At least two years of relevant research experience after the PhD as a postdoctoral researcher or equivalent.

For TU/e PhD graduates, at least one year of substantive research experience in a genuinely different external scientific environment is expected.

Serious commitment to development as an educator and a clear view of how the candidate wants to teach and contribute to education.

Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research, evidenced by a strong publication record and other scientific achievements.

Potential to establish an independent and internationally recognised research program.

Motivated to teach, contribute to curriculum development, and develop as an educator.

Strong collaboration skills and interest in working at the interface between theory and experiment.

Ability to supervise and mentor students and early-career researchers.

Excellent written and verbal proficiency in English.

Conditions of employment

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 fulltime Assistant Professor position.

An immediate tenured position for qualified candidates.

A Development Track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor.

A tailor-made offer to kickstart your career including the access to cutting-edge research infrastructure.

Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 11, ranging from €4925,- to €6682,- gross base salary per month (full-time, based on relevant experience and/or seniority).

In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.

Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.

As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.

A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.

High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.

An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care.

Unlimited access to the modern on-campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.

We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.

Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.

A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) and partner career support.

Possibility for part-time employment starting at 0.8 fte.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

Employer

TU/e

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community. Discover what Light Up means to TU/e in our short company video.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world-leading tech region with more than 7,000 high-tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.