PhD's in “Advanced Wave Engineering for Sustainable Optical Applications (AWAVE)”

Job description

NWO-funded research program “Advanced Wave Engineering for Sustainable Optical Applications (AWAVE)” addresses optical challenges to enable high-tech optical devices that are energy efficient, secure, and preserve scarce resources, with the aim of rendering the worldwide urbanization sustainable. To realize future high-tech devices that are sustainable for billions of people, it is crucial to improve their optical functionalities and efficiencies. Remarkably, major relevant Dutch high-tech industries,  semiconductor nanofabrication, printing technology, lighting, share common optical technology challenges for such devices. Our multidisciplinary team of AWAVE researchers will develop novel flat optics with reduced aberrations and dimensions, in close collaboration with users ACCHyperion, ASML, Canon, Demcon, JMO, SCIL, Signify, Sumipro to solve these challenges. AWAVE takes a major step forward by the unique combination of freeform gradient-index optics on the macroscale and metasurfaces on the microscale. See also the infographic at:

At the University of Twente, we look for PhD candidates for research projects entitled: Flat Optics Manufacturing; and Flat Optics Metrology for scattering.

Your profile

• We are looking for candidates trained in physics or (electrical) engineering.
• Expertise in optics is advisable, and know-how of light scattering is a bonus.
• The candidates will contribute excellent experimental skills to the team that will be complemented with strong theory skills.
• The candidates has to be proficient in English and have good professional communication and team working skills.
• You enjoy interdisciplinary collaborations with scientists from high-tech industry.

Our offer

• An excellent and dynamic environment for researchers within our extraordinary research institute MESA+ (www.utwente.nl/mesa/).
• An attractive campus and lots of facilities for sports and leisure.
• An appointment for 4 years as a PhD researcher.
• Terms of employment in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO), that include:
• A salary ranging from € 2.872,- gross per month in the first year to € 3.670,- gross per month in the 4th and final year of your PhD appointment.
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Pension as part of the famous solid Dutch scheme (“ABP”).

Information and application

Your research will be hosted by the world-leading Complex Photonic Systems (COPS) and Nanobiophysics (NBP) chairs in the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, part of the Faculty of Science and Technology. The supervisory team includes Profs. Willem Vos, Melissa Goodwin (also at NanoLab NL), Christian Blum, Bill Barnes (also at Exeter), and Ad Lagendijk. For our infrastructure and past performance, please visit www.nano-cops.com and www.utwente.nl/en/tnw/nbp.

Are you interested? Please send application before February 2 through the provided button and should include:

• Application/motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation.
• a detailed CV
• and an academic transcript of B.Sc. and M.Sc. education.

An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection procedure.

For more information about the position, you are encouraged to contact Prof.dr. Willem Vos,(w.l.vos@utwente.nl) or call+31 (0)53 489 5388) or dr. Christian Blum (c.blum@utwente.nl) or call +31 (0)53 489 3067.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.