Assistant Professor In Ultra-Low Latency Hybrid Neuromorphic Photonics

Job description

Neuromorphic photonics is emerging as a promising paradigm to overcome bottlenecks in conventional computing, offering ultra-fast and low-energy information processing. Recent advances include both spiking and deep learning schemes implemented on photonic chips. However, integration challenges and material limitations remain. Non-volatile photonic elements, biological inspired principles and hybrid active–passive platforms are gaining traction, and momentum is building toward scalable architectures, electronic–photonic co-design and multi-material co-integration.
The Electro-Optical Communication Systems (ECO) group
This position is embedded in the
ECO group in the Department of
Electrical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). Our group has been a leader in optical communications research for over four decades. With a strong international reputation and collaborations spanning academia and industry worldwide, ECO offers an exceptional environment for pioneering scientists to shape the future of communication technologies. Our core strength lies in bridging diverse technologies and addressing the most pressing challenges in communication networks. We bring together expertise across the entire chain: from photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design and fabrication to advanced optical and wireless network architectures. This unique interdisciplinary scope positions us at the forefront of next-generation communication research, including high-capacity telecom and datacom and more flexible and dynamic LiFi, free-space optics, and hybrid RF-optical systems. In particular the Photonic Neural Networks Lab (PNN Lab) focuses on advancing photonic technologies for next-generation artificial intelligence and computing. The lab explores how light can be harnessed to perform neural-network operations, aiming to develop faster, more energy-efficient and highly scalable computing architectures. By combining integrated photonics, semiconductor technology and artificial intelligence, the lab contributes to the development of innovative solutions for future computing systems.
Our researchers have direct access to a state-of-the-art cleanroom and more than 300 m² of advanced laboratories. With 12 tenured faculty staff members and over 70 PhDs and postdocs, ECO offers a vibrant and collaborative environment in which ambitious scientists can excel. You can explore our research activities in this short video
.
Information
Despite significant progress, several key challenges remain open in the development of next-generation intelligent photonic systems. Addressing these challenges defines a set of promising research directions that goes from the development of mature hybrid-integrated active–passive photonic platforms to the systematic exploitation of physical parallelism, from the realization of stronger all-optical nonlinearities and scalable synaptic devices to the design of efficient photonic memory architectures to support neuromorphic training functions, towards Photonics Physical AI to establish the sensing, computation, communication and decision continuum. Further, high-efficiency neuromorphic photonics will require the convergence of neuromorphic computing and deep learning on photonic hardware, the development of optically informed algorithms that explicitly account for noise and limited precision inherent to photonic systems, and stronger coupling to real-world application layers through system-level demonstrators.
Therefore, within this position you will take a holistic approach that considers not only individual components (e.g., emerging materials and devices) but also their interaction at the system level, encompassing architecture, electronic integration, algorithms, and end-use applications.
As Assistant Professor within the Photonic Neural Network LAB, you will:
Develop an independent research program in hybrid neuromorphic photonics, spanning the full protocol stack, from physical-layer innovation and hybrid integration (optics, photonics, electronics, novel materials) to higher-layer network optimization, inference, and training in real time.
Investigate novel architectures such as hybrid network topologies, neural network mapping in the optical domain, spiking (and non) encoding and strategies to address photonic engine noise, limited resolution, and system-level robustness and contribute to brain-inspired optical computing and photonic physical AI, contributing to the PNN Lab vision.
Translate research into applications in emerging domains including digital twins, autonomous vehicles, augmented reality, edge computing, extreme data processing, computational science, real-time predictions.
Initiate and lead collaborations with ECO members and within TU/e and with national and international academic and industrial partners, driving multidisciplinary projects and sector plan initiatives.
Secure funding and disseminate results by writing competitive research proposals, acquiring public and private funding, and publishing internationally leading work in high-impact journals.
Contribute to education and mentorship by developing and teaching courses in the Electrical Engineering Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, obtaining a University Teaching Qualification, and supervising BSc, MSc, EngD, and PhD students and PDs.
Your research will play a central role in the photonic systems activities at the TU/e
Casimir Institute
, contributing to sustainable, high-performance communications and computing infrastructures. This inherently interdisciplinary work offers opportunities for collaboration, bridging fundamental advances with practical application demonstrators.
In this role, you will contribute to the ambition of the
Beethoven program to educate top talent and strengthen research across the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Requirements

Motivated researcher with a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonic Engineering, Applied Physics research or a comparable domain.
At least two years of relevant research experience after the PhD as a postdoctoral researcher or equivalent.
Ability to conduct high-quality academic research in the field of photonic integrated neural networks reflected in demonstratable outputs.
Good understanding of neuromorphic photonics, integrated physical AI, neural network algorithms and applications.
Excellent publication track record in integrated photonics and neuromorphic photonics complemented by a good understanding of how photonic technologies interface with the digital world.
Enthusiastic and motivated to teach, contribute to teaching processes, and to develop excellent teaching skills. Ability to teach and inspire students, with proven teaching experience or strong potential.
Proven ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary and international research environments.
Interest in transferring academic knowledge to industry and societal applications.
Effective communication and leadership skills, including coaching and mentoring of students and staff, leading a project or chairing a group.
Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in 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:
Salary in accordance with the
Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities
, scale 11, ranging from €4925 to €6682 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%.
A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.
A
Development Track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor. If you have a more senior profile, a tailor-made career proposal will be considered.
High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.
An excellent technical infrastructure, 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 Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates
, as are a tax compensation scheme (the
Expat Scheme
) and partner career support
.
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 Patty Stabile, Associate Professor at TU/e, r.stabile[at]tue.nl or +31 40 247 5387.
Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Thomas Slegers, Senior Recruiter, via t.slegers[at]tue.nl or +316 14835214.
Curious to hear more about what it's like as a professor at TU/e? Please watch the video
.
Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page
.