Assistent professor in Integrated Photonics

University of Twente (UT); Netherlands; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CAO-NU compliant salary

18-month contract

Holiday allowance 8%

End-of-year bonus 8.3%

Pension scheme

Sports facilities on campus

Parental leave

Career development

Job summary

University of Twente (UT) in the Netherlands seeks an Assistant Professor to lead an internationally recognized research program in integrated photonics, focusing on nonlinear and optomechanical light–matter interactions. You will teach photonics, optics, physics, nanotechnology and related engineering disciplines, and mentor students and postdocs.

You will pursue funding from national and European sources (e.g., NWO, Horizon Europe, ERC) and contribute to the Dutch Beethoven program, helping

Qualifications

• PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Clear and distinct research vision with execution potential.
• Strong publication record and awards or grants.

Responsibilities

• Develop an internationally recognized research program in integrated photonics.
• Teach courses in photonics, optics, physics, nanotechnology and related disciplines.
• Develop and innovate educational programmes and course content.
• Supervise students and postdocs; mentor early-career researchers.
• Acquire research funding from national and European programs (e.g., NWO, Horizon Europe, ERC).

Skills

Strong publication record

Teaching experience

Grants & funding

English proficiency

Strategic vision

Education

PhD in Photonics/Physics/EE

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Twente (UT) Research Field Engineering ⁃ Electrical engineering Engineering ⁃ Electronic engineering Physics ⁃ Optics Physics ⁃ Quantum mechanics Researcher Profile Leading Researcher (R4) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 15 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 40.0 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

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

• 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.

• 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.

Additional Information

• 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.