Assistant Professor In Condensed Matter Theory

AcademicTransfer; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8% holiday allowance

8.3% year-end bonus

29 days leave (41 with extra hours)

ABP pension scheme

Mentoring program

Cutting-edge research infrastructure

Job summary

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) seeks an eminent theoretical physicist in condensed matter to lead an independent research program and collaborate with experimentalists across APSE. You will attract funding, supervise students, and contribute to teaching in quantum mechanics, solid‑state physics, electromagnetism, and related areas.

The role emphasizes the integration of theory with experiment, development of a distinctive research profile, and engagement with TU/e's Brainport

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, or 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.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research with a strong publication record.
• Potential to establish an independent and internationally recognized research program.
• Willingness to teach and contribute to curriculum development.
• Strong collaboration skills and interest in theory–experiment interfaces.
• Excellent written and verbal proficiency in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead your own independent research programme in condensed matter theory.
• Attract external funding and supervise postdocs, doctoral and Master students.
• Collaborate closely with experimental groups across APSE and TU/e.
• Teach Bachelor's and Master's courses in Applied Physics and related areas.

Skills

English proficiency

Collaboration skills

Teaching ability

Independent research leadership

Education

PhD in Physics

Job description

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

Organisation/Company Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) Research Field Physics » Solid state physics Physics » Condensed matter properties Researcher Profile Leading Researcher (R4) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 6 Dec 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Not Applicable 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

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).

• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high‑quality research, evidenced by a strong publication record and other scientific achievements.
• Potential to establish an independent and internationally recognized 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.

Additional Information

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 tailor‑made offer to kickstart your career including the access to cutting‑edge research infrastructure.
• 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.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on‑campus children’s day care.
• 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.
• Possibility for part‑time employment starting at 0.8 fte.

We look forward to your application. The closing date for applications is December 6, 2026.

The timeline for the selection process is as follows

December 6: Application deadline.

December 7-20: Reviewing applications / candidate selection.

January 11-22: First round of (online) interviews with the selection committee.

March 2027: Candidates’ Day on campus incl. final presentation (final round).

Additional comments

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact one of the hiring managers – Monica Morales‑Masis, Full Professor ( m.morales.masis[at]tue.nl ), or Klaas-Jan Tielrooij, Full Professor (k.j.tielrooij[at]tue.nl ).

Visit our website for more information about the application process . You can also contact Thomas Slegers, Senior Recruiter, t.slegers[at]tue.nl or [phone].

Curious to hear more about what it's like as a professor at TU/e? Please watch the video .

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page .