Deadline: 4 Dec '26 Published: 10 Oct '26 Vacancy ID: 2026/631
Research fields: Engineering
Job types: Associate professor
Education level: Doctorate
Salary indication: €4925—€8992 per month
Location: De Zaale, 5612AZ, Eindhoven
Job description
Photonics is one of the fastest-growing technology domains worldwide and is rapidly becoming a key driver of innovation across communications, sensing, imaging, quantum technologies, and emerging computing systems. While integrated electronics have transformed modern society over the past decades, photonic integration is only beginning to unlock its full potential. The integration of an increased diversity of photonic components into circuits is opening new frontiers in chip design, manufacturing and applications. Improved component performance enables breakthroughs in energy efficiency, precision and bandwidth for next-generation systems based on chips.
This position offers a unique opportunity to establish an independent and internationally recognized research program in III-V photonic integration. Working within one of Europe's leading photonics environments, you will develop innovative integration technologies, novel photonic devices and circuits, and future application concepts that help define the next generation of semiconductor and photonic systems.
Information
As an Assistant/Associate Professor, you will:
- Develop new research lines on photonic integrated circuit design and/or integration technologies and realize prototype photonic integrated circuit with both scientific and real-world impact. We are looking for candidates that can leverage our in-house research infrastructure and/or collaborate with external fabrication partners.
- Collaborate across disciplines, most notably the wider field of semicon, to explore new forms of integrated systems, enabling further miniaturization, and develop new integration paradigms.
- Contribute to TU/e’s educational mission by teaching and developing BSc and MSc courses, supervising PhD students and postdocs, and potentially contributing to the university’s life-long learning goals.
- Acquire research funding from national and European programs (e.g., Dutch, Horizon Europe, ERC) and industry collaborations.
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 semicon, with the aim of strengthening Dutch and European industry.
Requirements
The ideal candidate:
- Holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
- Either has strong expertise in cleanroom based fabrication of III/V integrated photonics, or closely related technologies or has a track record in fabless circuit design and solid relations with leading foundries
- Has a clear and distinct research vision and is able to formulate and execute strategically
- Is able to thrive in a highly multi-disciplinary and team-orientated environment.
- Has a strong record of scientific accomplishment relative to their career stage, demonstrated through publications, awards, patents, and/or successful grant acquisition.
- Has an affinity with teaching, mentoring and supervision
We encourage applications from talented candidates at different career stages, including early-career researchers and professionals with significant industry experience.
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:
- Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 11 - 14, min. € 4,925 max. € 8,992 gross per month (on a full-time basis).
- 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.
- A Development Track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor. If you have a more senior profile, a tailor-made career proposal will be considered.
- High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.
- An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care.
- Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at a very 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.
- Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
- A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) and partner career support.
On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build your career at TU/e!
Employer
TU/e
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.
Additional information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager prof. dr. Kevin Williams, Full Professor at TU/e, via [contact details available in the full listing] or prof. dr Martijn Heck, Full Professor at TU/e via [contact details available in the full listing].
Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Thomas Slegers, Senior Recruiter via [contact details available in the full listing] or [contact details available in the full listing].
Curious to hear more about what it's like as a 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.
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