PhD in Spatiotemporal Integrated Metamaterials

Karlstad University; Eindhoven; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ABP pension scheme

8% holiday allowance

8.3% year-end bonus

Generous leave: 29–41 days

Job summary

The Eindhoven University of Technology invites applications for a PhD position in Spatiotemporal Integrated Metamaterials. You will develop chip-scale metamaterials with time-varying modulation for nonreciprocal photonic devices and participate in secondments to INESC MN (Portugal) and PICadvanced for broader collaboration.

Jointly supervised by TU/e and INESC MN, you’ll work within the Photonic Integration group on design, fabrication, and demonstration of nonreciprocal light transport,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Applied Physics, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• Research-oriented attitude and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Willingness to teach and coach students; fluent in English (C1).

Job description

PhD in Spatiotemporal Integrated Metamaterials

We are an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude.

Are you fascinated by nonreciprocal photonics? Design dynamically modulated, on-chip metamaterials for nonreciprocal light control, with secondments at INESC MN and PICadvanced, Portugal.

Job Description

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate with a background in photonics, optics, or nanofabrication to contribute to SPARK Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral network. The candidate will develop chip-scale metamaterials with time‑varying modulation for nonreciprocal photonic devices. The project involves theoretical and numerical design of dynamically modulated structures, on-chip fabrication using advanced nanolithography, and experimental demonstration of nonreciprocal light transport, with the aim of realizing dynamically modulated metamaterials for nonreciprocal light control and integrating them into photonic circuits for optical communication and quantum applications.

The PhD candidate will work within the Photonic Integration group at the Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, co‑supervised by Prof. M. Piccardo at INESC MN, Portugal. The candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary, international team within the SPARK MSCA Doctoral network, working alongside PhD students and researchers on related nonreciprocal and photonic integration technologies, with close collaboration across design, fabrication, and characterization.

The research and secondment activities will be supported by a 6-month stay at INESC MN, Portugal, focused on component measurements, and a 3-month stay at PICadvanced for chip-level integration, giving the candidate direct access to complementary expertise and facilities across the consortium.

Job Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Applied Physics, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

MSCA Eligibility Requirements

At the date of recruitment:

You must not already hold a doctoral degree. You must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: you must not have resided or carried out your main activity, such as work or studies, in the Netherlands for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding the recruitment date. Exceptions defined under the MSCA rules apply.

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.

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time)).
• 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%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern on-campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• 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.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) for international candidates.

About us

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.

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 recognise yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Humeyra Caglayan, [e-mail].

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Kevin Caris, HR Advisor, [e-mail].

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Job details

Title

PhD in Spatiotemporal Integrated Metamaterials

• Type of employment: Temporary position
• Contract type: Full time
• Salary: Scale P
• Number of positions: 1
• Full-time equivalent: 1.0 FTE
• City: Eindhoven
• County: Noord-Brabant
• Country: Netherlands
• Reference number: 2026/563
• Published: 2026-09-14
• Last application date: 2026-11-14