Assistant professor in Integrated Photonics

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

Benefits offered by this job

Salary CAO-NU scale

Holiday 8% of gross salary

End-of-year bonus 8.3%

Pension scheme

Leave hours 232/yr

Campus sports facilities

Parental leave

Career development

Job summary

University of Twente, located in Enschede, Netherlands, is seeking an Assistant Professor to establish a strong, internationally recognized research program in integrated photonics. You will contribute to NLNP’s leading work in nonlinear and optomechanical light–matter interactions and will teach across photonics, optics, physics, nanotechnology, and related disciplines.

The role includes supervising students from bachelor to postdoc levels, developing educational programs, and acquiring

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field with a proven research record.
• Ability to articulate a clear research vision and strategy.
• Track record of high-quality publications, awards, patents, or grants.
• Ability to build an independent, internationally competitive program.
• Proven ability to attract competitive research funding.
• Demonstrated passion for teaching and mentoring future scientists.
• Excellent command of English and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop an internationally recognized research program in integrated photonics with emphasis on nonlinear and optomechanical light–matter interactions.
• Teach photonics, optics, physics, nanotechnology and related engineering courses.
• Develop and update educational programs and course content.
• Supervise bachelor, master, PhD students and postdocs; mentor early-career researchers.
• Acquire funding from national and European programs (e.g., NWO, Horizon Europe, ERC).

Skills

PhD in photonics/physics/EE

Research vision

Publications/prizes/patents/grants

Independent research programme

Funding acquisition

Teaching passion

Strong English communication

Education

PhD in Photonics/Physics/Electrical Engineering

Job description

Job description

You are expected to establish a strong research program and to contribute to NLNP’s internationally recognized research on integrated photonics for applications in microwave photonics, advanced optical sources, communications, sensing, and emerging quantum technologies

We invite applicants with expertise in two or more of the following areas:

• Brillouin optomechanics and phononics,
• Integrated laser and optical frequency combs,
• Optical atomic clocks and quantum sensors,
• Nonlinear optics, experimental and modelling,
• Fabrication of low-loss integrated photonic platforms,
• Programmable photonics and optical computing.

As an Assistant Professor you will

• Develop an internationally recognized research program on integrated photonics, with a particular focus on nonlinear and optomechanical interactions of light with matter
• Teach 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.
• Acquire research funding from national and European programs (e.g., NWO, Horizon Europe, ERC)

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

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.

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:

• Quantum sensing based on integrated photonics
• Precision measurements for advanced manufacturing
• Optical computing and photonics for AI
• Radar, sensing, and space applications;
• Spectrum management, advanced signal processing, and communications.

You will engage with academic, industrial, and societal partners to promote knowledge transfer, innovation, and the development of technologies that address real-world challenges.

Your profile

• Hold a PhD degree in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field;
• 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 grant
• 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.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position?

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of two references.
• Description of your scientific achievements and research plan for the coming five years (max 2 pages).
• Statement of your relevant teaching experience and goals for the coming five years (max 2 pages).

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

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]

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 a related field; 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 grant 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.