Assistant Professor In Physics of Functional Materials and Interfaces

Departments, Department of Applied Physics and Science Education; Eindhoven; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Startup package

High-performance computing access

Mentoring program

ABP pension scheme

OpenUp mental health support

Parental leave allowance

Commuting allowance

Job summary

Assistant Professor in Physics of Functional Materials and Interfaces at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) invites applications. The role focuses on physics-based understanding of functional materials at interfaces and under confinement, with a strong theoretical or computational basis and potential data-informed approaches.

You will build your own research program within the MSM group in APSE, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to undergraduate and graduate education while

Qualifications

• A PhD in applied physics, computational physics, materials physics, physical chemistry, materials science, or a 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.
• Ability to initiate and conduct high-quality independent academic research, reflected in demonstrable research outputs.
• Demonstrated potential to develop scientific leadership by establishing an independent research program, attracting competitive funding, and developing national and international collaborations.
• A research profile relevant to the physics of functional materials, interfaces, non-equilibrium phenomena, or related areas.
• Experience with theoretical, computational, data-informed, or related quantitative approaches.
• Motivation to teach, contribute to educational processes, and further develop as a university teacher.
• Serious commitment to development as an educator and a clear view of how the candidate wants to teach and contribute to education.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries while developing a recognizable independent scientific profile.
• Excellent written and verbal proficiency in English.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead your own independent research program within the MSM group.
• Contribute to development and delivery of the Applied Physics Bachelor’s and Master’s programs and supervise students and researchers.
• Collaborate with experimental, computational, and technological researchers within TU/e and with external partners.
• Engage in cross-disciplinary collaborations across APSE and TU/e, and participate in a dynamic international network.

Job description

Assistant Professor In Physics of Functional Materials and Interfaces

Are you interested in understanding how interfaces, confinement, external driving forces, and controlled environments determine the behavior of functional materials? Do you want to build a physics-based understanding of materials under realistic operating conditions and connect this understanding to technologically relevant applications? Are you looking to establish an independent academic research line in this direction?

We offer you the opportunity to establish your own scientific identity within an internationally recognized research environment.

Job Description

We invite applications for an Assistant Professor position in the broad field of physics of functional materials and interfaces. The research profile should have a strong theoretical or computational basis and may incorporate data-informed approaches. We welcome applicants who want to advance our fundamental understanding of how functional materials behave at interfaces, under confinement, or away from equilibrium, and to connect this understanding to technologically relevant conditions.

The position is embedded within the Materials Simulation and Modelling (MSM) group of the Department of Applied Physics and Science Education (APSE) at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). MSM develops physics-based predictive approaches for functional materials, connecting molecular interactions with emergent material behavior and performance across length and time scales. This position will strengthen the group’s physics profile while complementing its existing expertise in molecular predictive modelling and multiscale integration.

The ideal candidate will complement and strengthen our existing expertise while opening new scientific directions within the broader physics of functional materials. Relevant research directions may include, but are not limited to, interfacial phenomena, non-equilibrium behavior, confinement, transport, thin functional layers, degradation and stability, or material response to external driving forces.

We particularly welcome research that connects fundamental physical mechanisms with experimentally accessible observables and material behavior under realistic conditions. Depending on the candidate’s profile, opportunities exist for collaborations across APSE and TU/e in areas involving materials, interfaces, transport, controlled environments, and advanced manufacturing. These scientific questions are also relevant to technology-driven challenges such as interface control, material stability, contamination sensitivity, and operation in precision-engineered environments, offering opportunities for interaction with the high-tech ecosystem of the Brainport Eindhoven region and its semiconductor industry.

You will establish and lead your own research program while benefiting from being part of MSM and the broader APSE research environment. You will have opportunities to collaborate with experimental, computational, and technological researchers within TU/e and with external academic and industrial partners.

You will also contribute to the development and delivery of the Applied Physics Bachelor’s and Master’s programs and supervise students and researchers at different stages of their academic development.

To support the development of your independent research program, TU/e provides a startup package, access to high-performance computing and research infrastructure, mentoring, and training opportunities for academic leadership and professional 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).

Job Requirements

• A PhD in applied physics, computational physics, materials physics, physical chemistry, materials science, or a 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.
• Ability to initiate and conduct high-quality independent academic research, reflected in demonstrable research outputs.
• Demonstrated potential to develop scientific leadership by establishing an independent research program, attracting competitive funding, and developing national and international collaborations.
• A research profile relevant to the physics of functional materials, interfaces, non-equilibrium phenomena, or related areas.
• Experience with theoretical, computational, data-informed, or related quantitative approaches.
• Motivation to teach, contribute to educational processes, and further develop as a university teacher.
• Serious commitment to development as an educator and a clear view of how the candidate wants to teach and contribute to education.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries while developing a recognizable independent scientific profile.
• Excellent written and verbal proficiency in English.

Conditions of Employment

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.
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 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.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Sofia Calero , Full Professor , S.Calero [at] tue.nl .
Visit our website for more information about the application process.

Curious to hear more about what it's likesa 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.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application. The application should include a:

• 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 three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• Description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages).
• Statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages).

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

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 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).

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.