Job description Help shape the future of energy-efficient computing and memory by integrating nano-magneto-optic elements with photonic integrated circuits.
Join us in this interdisciplinary role and define a new technology platform. Information How can we overcome the growing energy and bandwidth bottlenecks of today's computing systems? Can magnetic memory be written and read directly with light, enabling ultrafast, non-volatile memory and optical networks-on-chip with unprecedented efficiency? In this postdoctoral researcher position, you will address these questions by developing and demonstrating a novel magneto-photonic integrated technology as a proof of concept. By combining photonic integrated circuits and magnetic nanomaterials, we want to realize on-chip functionalities such as optical memory, logic operations, and magneto-optical readout. An 8-bit memory demonstrator chip is envisioned. You will be part of an interdisciplinary research team, embedded in the Photonic Integration Group at the Department of Electrical Engineering (prof. Martijn Heck and Yuqing Jiao), and working in close collaboration with the Physics of Nanostructures Group of Applied Physics (prof. Bert Koopmans). The work is carried out in the wider framework of the NL-ECO (Netherlands Initiative for Energy-Efficient Computing) project, a prestigious national consortium, which further includes other universities like Twente University and Radboud University, and industrial partners, like Smart Photonics and LioniX [ https://www.nl-eco.nl ]. You will design, fabricate, and characterize photonic integrated circuits containing magneto-optical elements on state-of-the-art technologies. Specific focus will be on demonstrating optical writing and reading of magnetic memory elements on chip, and developing a vision on how such an approach can scale for meaningful applications in memory and computing. The position offers access to our world-class NanoLab@TU/e cleanroom. Requirements Motivated researcher, with a PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or similar; Strong background in photonics, (nano-)magnetism and/or semiconductor devices, with experience in device and material design, cleanroom fabrication, and characterization; Ability to conduct high-quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs; A team player who enjoys coaching PhD and Master's students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team, spanning both Engineering and Physics; Fluent spoken and written English (C1 level). Conditions of employment Fixed-term contract: 2 years. 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: Full-time employment for 2 years. Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10, ranging from € 4,422 (step 4) to € 5,760 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 on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization. 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. Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops. A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) and a compensation for moving expenses. On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on 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 Martijn Heck, full professor, m.heck@tue.nl. Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Kevin Caris, HR Advisor, k.t.caris@tue.nl. Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page. Working at TU/e Join the Eindhoven University of Technology and contribute to a brighter tomorrow for us all. Find out what sets TU/e apart.
