PhD in Optical Characterization and Photonic Performance Analysis of Liquid Crystal Polymer Coatings

Introduction

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to study the optical and photonic performance of advanced liquid crystal polymer coatings for one-way transparency, adaptive camouflage, and smart optical interfaces. The position is embedded in the research group of Dr. Stefan Meskers at Eindhoven University of Technology and is part of the project TactVision: The Liquid Crystal Polymer Invisibility Cloak.
The project develops liquid crystal polymer coatings that can selectively control the direction, wavelength, and polarization of reflected and transmitted light. These materials are designed for optical systems in which projected information is visible to the user while remaining hidden from external observers. They also include switchable photonic coatings that can adapt their colour, reflectance, or camouflage response under external stimuli.
This PhD project will focus on the advanced optical characterization, modelling-supported interpretation, and performance benchmarking of these coatings. You will quantify how the materials reflect, transmit, polarize, scatter, and guide light under different viewing angles, wavelengths, environmental conditions, and device configurations. Your work will provide the key feedback loop between material development, optical modelling, and prototype integration.

Job Description

You will:

• characterize one-way transparent cholesteric liquid crystal polymer films and switchable photonic coatings;
• measure angle-dependent reflection, transmission, haze, scattering, polarization selectivity, and spectral bandwidth;
• perform UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, polarized optical microscopy, ellipsometry, Mueller matrix analysis, and imaging-based optical measurements;
• evaluate RGB projection quality, image contrast, colour fidelity, modulation transfer, and stray-light suppression;
• study optical performance under external stimuli such as humidity, temperature, electric fields, bending, and repeated switching cycles;
• develop standardized measurement protocols for optical alignment, sample handling, measurement geometry, and data reporting;
• collaborate with researchers working on material synthesis, coating fabrication, simulations, and device integration;
• contribute to the optical validation of demonstrator devices such as smart visors, AR glasses, and privacy-protective optical displays;
• publish results in scientific journals and present your work at international conferences. 

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in the area below.
• We are looking for a candidate with a background in one or more of the following fields:
  • applied physics;
  • optics or photonics;
  • materials science;
  • physical chemistry;
  • electrical engineering;
  • optical engineering;
  • display technology;
  • soft matter or liquid crystal science.
• Experience with spectroscopy, polarization optics, ellipsometry, optical microscopy, imaging systems, liquid crystals, photonic materials, or display characterization is an advantage. The ideal candidate enjoys precise experimental work, quantitative data analysis, and collaboration across materials science, optics, and device engineering.
• 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.

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. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881 gross per month).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• 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, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) 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.

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry bridges science and engineering to create sustainable solutions for society. By combining expertise in molecules, materials, and processes, we drive innovations that address global challenges in energy, circularity, health and future technology. Through world-class research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong industry partnerships, we educate engineers and scientists who turn scientific discoveries into technologies with lasting societal impact. Together, we create chemistry for a better world.

Information

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

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Eveline de Vetter, HR Advisor [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.