PhD in Neuromorphic Photonics for Event-Driven Sensing via Heterogeneous Integration

Introduction

Are you inspired by developing the next generation of intelligent photonic chips? Join us to pioneer heterogeneously integrated photonic technologies for ultra-fast, energy-efficient optical information processing in event-driven sensing.

Job Description

Photonics is widely regarded as the key enabling technology of the 21st century and its application and use in many scientific and industrial fields is accelerated through Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), which combine many optical components into a miniaturized chip format. Similar to electronic ICs, PICs are revolutionizing areas such as healthcare, communication and sensing, and have the potential to be disruptive to the whole society. A diversity of PIC-based sensors have been proposed, such as environmental sensors (e.g. gas sensing), medical sensors (e.g. optical coherence tomography), fiber Bragg grating sensors for temperature or strain measurement, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and others.

Recently, information processing has been evolving towards architectures inspired by biological neural systems. In particular, neuromorphic photonics aims to develop artificial photonic neurons that process information through sparse, event-driven optical spikes, enabling sensing systems with unprecedented speed and energy efficiency. A central objective of the project is to develop highly sensitive photodetector neurons by combining resonant tunneling diode (RTD) excitable dynamics with quantum-dot active devices capable of providing a nonlinear amplifying response to extremely weak optical stimuli. These photonic neurons will be realized as compact InP coupons designed for heterogeneous integration onto silicon-based photonic platforms, enabling scalable co-integration with advanced photonic and electronic circuits. The developed technology will be validated in a proof-of-concept event-driven sensing application, where relevant information is processed only when meaningful events occur, significantly reducing latency, data volumes and energy consumption.

You will investigate the complete technology stack, including device physics, photonic and electronic design, modelling, chip layout, cleanroom fabrication, heterogeneous integration and experimental characterization. You will collaborate closely with researchers working on photonic neurons and heterogeneous integration, contributing to the development of a new generation of energy-efficient intelligent photonic sensors.

You will be part of the Photonic Integration (PhI) group at TU/e, which has a long track record of setting pioneering results in indium phosphide (InP) based photonic integration. We are a key player in the field, as evidenced by our founding and coordinating role in the globally leading Joint European Platform for photonic integrated components and circuits JePPIX.  We take a leading role in driving InP-based photonic integration towards the next level. A key enabler for our work is our state-of-the-art Nanolab cleanroom facility

(http://www.tue.nl/nanolab), which hosts a state-of-the-art 4” processing line for III-V semiconductors, including an ASML DUV scanner, AIXTRON MOCVD G10 epitaxy reactor, electron beam lithography, diverse plasma etching tools, wafer-level bonding equipment and others.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree in electrical engineering, applied physics or similar.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Knowledge on physics of semiconductor devices and optical waveguides
• Affinity for hands-on practical work in cleanroom environment
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
  
  

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: 

• 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.
• 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. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

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 recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr. Victor Calzadilla, [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact [email protected].

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.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.