Assistant professor in Integrated Photonics

University of Twente; Enschede; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CAO-NU salary scale

8% holiday allowance

8.3% end-of-year bonus

Solid pension scheme

232 leave hours per year (full-time)

Free campus sports facilities

Parental leave

Job summary

The University of Twente invites applications for an Assistant Professor to establish a strong research program in integrated photonics, with emphasis on nonlinear and optomechanical light–matter interactions. You will teach across photonics and related fields, develop new courses, supervise students, and pursue research funding from national and European sources.

Strong English communication and UTQ or willingness to obtain it are required.

Qualifications

• PhD required in photonics, physics, electrical engineering or related field.
• Clear and distinct research vision with strategic execution.
• Strong track record of scientific achievement (publications, prizes, patents, grants).
• Ability to develop an independent, internationally competitive research programme.
• Proven potential to attract competitive research funding.
• Strong teaching passion and commitment to education across photonics topics.

Responsibilities

• Develop an internationally recognized research program in integrated photonics, focusing on nonlinear and optomechanical interactions.
• Teach courses in photonics, optics, physics, nanotechnology and related engineering disciplines.
• Develop and innovate educational programmes and course content.
• Supervise bachelor’s, master’s and PhD students, and postdocs; mentor early‑career researchers.
• Acquire research funding from national and European programs (e.g., NWO, Horizon Europe, ERC).

Skills

Research vision

Grant funding ability

Teaching passion

Communication skills

English proficiency

Education

PhD in Photonics/Physics/Electrical Engineering or related field

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.

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.

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.