Research Technician In Integrated Photonics Technology

Introduction

Photonics is widely regarded as a key enabling technology of the 21st century. Its application across scientific and industrial domains is being accelerated by photonic integrated circuits, or PICs, which combine many optical components into a miniaturized chip format. Similar to electronic integrated circuits, PICs are transforming areas such as healthcare, communication, sensing, and quantum computing, with the potential to create broad societal and industrial impact.

Eindhoven University of Technology has a strong position in integrated photonics. The Photonic Integration group (PHI) at TU/e has leading expertise in InP-based photonic integrated circuits, heterogeneous integration, and advanced nanofabrication. The group holds several track records in device innovations, and is a key partner in multiple National and European large-scale research programs.

A key enabling factor for this research is reliable and reproducible cleanroom technology. Concepts can only become functional chips when they are supported by stable wafer process lines, well-controlled process modules, and continuous improvement of workflows.

Job Description

The Photonic Integration group is looking for a hands-on Research Technician / Process Line Technician to strengthen the shared cleanroom process capability for integrated photonics. The role is part of the group-level technology infrastructure and is focused on process operations, process stability, documentation, and continuous improvement of the process technologies within the integrated photonics process line. The technological work will be carried out in our cleanroom facilities at Nanolab@TU/e (www.tue.nl/nanolab).

This position is defined at the level of shared process capability rather than direct execution of individual project tasks. The technician will help ensure that key process modules are available, reproducible and well documented across multiple research projects across the group. This role is not intended as dedicated fabrication support for a single project or individual researcher. Project interaction is expected and necessary, but the primary responsibility is to maintain and improve shared process capability for the PIC process baseline.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Process operations for selected process clusters within integrated circuit line (e.g. plasma tools or metals or lithography)
• Monitoring and improving process stability at cluster level, and supporting root-cause analysis when process deviations occur.
• Implement the process line improvement strategy through co-definition of short-loop experiments with the line manager
• Implementation of selected short-loop experiments to understand and extend process capabilities with equipment manufacturer(s)
• Coordinate the documentation of process modules
• Perform periodic process flows at the cluster level with multi-project wafers

You will work within a team of research technicians, who are led by a line manager and a group scientific staff. You cooperate with team members to contribute to the baseline technologies complementarily. You also interact and coordinate with the Nanolab cleanroom staff, who own the responsibilities of tool maintenance and repairment, for the tasks of recipe/process-level monitoring and control.

Job Requirements

• HBO-level education or higher, in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Strong hands-on problem-solving skills during study and/or past work experiences.
• Affinity with cleanroom and microfabrication is an advantage but not a hard requirement. We equally welcome applicants who are motivated to learn.
• Good command of English and communication skills. Ability to document data in a structured way.
• Ability to organize their own work independently, while also contributing to a team-based research environment.

If you are concerned that you don’t meet all the requirements sufficiently, but the job does excite you, then be sure to respond, we would love to look at your profile.

Conditions of Employment

An exciting position within an international yet personal university. You are right in the middle of the students, on a green campus within walking distance of the central station. Besides beautiful architecture, you will find varied workplaces and excellent sports facilities.

We also offer you:

• Full-time employment with a 2-year initial contract, offering the possibility of extension and development into a long-term career within the organization.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 8, ranging from € 3,537 to € 4,673 gross base salary per month (full-time), depending on your knowledge and experience.
• 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%.
• A favorable arrangement for more holidays or a sabbatical.
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits.
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance.
• 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.
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring, workshops and coaching.
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet.

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 mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to have more information about the position, please contact the hiring manager: [email protected], Associate Professor, [email protected].

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

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

Application

If you are interested, please use the ‘apply’ button to send us your CV and letter of application with your motivation and a description of your qualifications. Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

Screening of candidates begins as soon as applications are received and continues until the position is filled. Where applicable, internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates where they are equally suitable.

We look forward to receiving your application!

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.
• Important for non-EU applicants: Please be aware that for this position, specific residence permit requirements apply. If you are a non-EU national, you may not be eligible to legally work in this role under current Dutch immigration regulations. We strongly advise you to contact our Staff Immigration Team ([email protected]) before applying to check your eligibility and to receive further guidance.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.