Assistant Professor - Photonics Research and Education

1000scholars; Enschede; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Twente invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Photonics Research and Education. The role focuses on building a strong research program in integrated photonics, nonlinear optics, nanofabrication, and system-level design, while contributing to education and talent development within the Faculty of Science and Technology, Enschede, Netherlands.

Responsibilities include teaching photonics-related courses, supervising students across Bachelor to PhD levels, mentoring

Qualifications

• Must hold a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) or be willing to obtain within the agreed timeframe.
• PhD degree in Photonics, Physics, EE or related field with impactful publications and conference activity.
• Ability to develop an independent and internationally competitive research programme.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in photonics, optics, physics, nanotechnology, and related engineering disciplines.
• Supervise Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students and postdocs; mentor early-career researchers.
• Lead and develop new research initiatives; establish national/international collaborations and secure external funding.
• Contribute to strategic development of NLNP and promote knowledge transfer to industry and society.

Skills

UTQ willingness

English proficiency

Independent research program

Funding/networking

Teaching experience

Education

PhD in Photonics/Physics/Electrical Engineering

Job description

Assistant Professor - Photonics Research and Education

University of Twente - Faculty of Science & Technology

Enschede, Netherlands

€ 4,925 - 7,573 per month gross

You are expected to establish a strong research programme in one or more of NLNP's strategic areas, including integrated microwave photonics, integrated optical quantum technologies, optical communications, or optical clocks.

A central research theme within NLNP is the development of advanced photonic integrated circuits that enable the generation, processing, distribution, and measurement of optical, RF, and microwave signals. Research leverages both linear and nonlinear optical effects to create highly functional, low-loss, and reconfigurable photonic systems with capabilities such as:

• RF photonic filtering and signal processing
• True-time delay generation and phase control
• Optical pulse shaping and frequency synthesis
• Integrated optical communication subsystems
• Programmable photonic signal-processing architectures

You will contribute to the further development of cutting‑edge integrated photonic technologies, combining expertise in photonic integration, nonlinear optics, nanofabrication, and system‑level design to address fundamental scientific challenges and enable future communication, sensing, timing, and quantum systems.

As an Assistant Professor, you will actively contribute to education and talent development within the Faculty of Science and Technology by:

• Teaching 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

Beyond teaching and supervision, you will demonstrate academic leadership through the development of new research initiatives, the establishment of national and international collaborations, the acquisition of external funding, and active contributions to the strategic development of the NLNP group and the broader photonics community. 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:

• Wireless communication networks (5G/6G and beyond)
• Optical communication systems
• Quantum technologies
• Precision timing and optical clock systems
• Radar, sensing, and space applications
• Spectrum management and advanced signal processing

You will engage with academic, industrial, and societal partners to promote knowledge transfer, innovation, and the development of technologies that address real-world challenges. Through your research, teaching, and leadership, you will help strengthen NLNP's position as a leading centre for photonics research and education while contributing to solutions for the communication, sensing, timing, and quantum technologies of the future.

Your profile

• You are expected to hold a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) or be willing to obtain this qualification within the agreed timeframe
• Vision and ambitious drive (seeing opportunities and possibilities, showing ambition)
• Hold a PhD degree in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field and have experience in research, which is apparent from publications in reputable academic journals, presentations in international scientific conferences, and other academic activities
• The ability to develop an independent and internationally competitive research programme
• Active in networks for acquiring research funding, and have ambition and experience in working closely with companies and government agencies
• Teaching experience (both lecturing and tutoring) at an internationally accredited university
• Good communication skills and an excellent command of English
• A (equivalent of) University Teaching Qualification certificate, or be willing to obtain this, and have a real passion for, and the ambition to become a creative and effective teacher