PhD in Photonic Sensors for Light-Starved Applications

Job description
Are you passionate about cutting-edge semiconductor technology for solving real societal problems? Then this PhD position could be a fit for you. In this project you will push the limit of spectroscopic analysis by developing novel photonic chips working at ultralow light levels (down to femtowatts). These chips will form the core of sensors which are crucial for advancing healthcare and the energy transition.
Information
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows characterizing materials and tissues, and it is widely used in industry. Our group has recently developed integrated spectral sensors, based on an advanced nanophotonic platform. These low-cost spectral chips, already commercialized by our spin-off MantiSpectra, provide detailed spectral information in the spectral region 900-1700 nm and allow measuring materials properties. However, they are based on reflection and therefore require a powerful light source to illuminate the object. Their application could be widely extended if they were sensitive enough to measure light emitted by a sample through fluorescence or Raman scattering. This requires pushing the limit of spectral sensing technology to combine spectral discrimination and detection at the femtowatt/low picowatt level, in a single device. To this aim the project will explore advanced device designs and fabrication methods, and collaborate with other TU/e research groups for the integration with low-noise amplification. The sensors will be fabricated at the NanoLab@TU/e cleanroom facility, using advanced semiconductor equipment. Their application to low-light sensing applications will also be explored during the project, in collaboration with industrial partners.

Requirements
A recent master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Physics, Electrical Engineering or Materials Science. Candidates who obtained their Master degree more than two years ago will not be considered.
A research-oriented attitude and strong interest and motivation for experimental work.
Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of employment
Fixed-term
contract
: 4 years.
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.
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%.
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!

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
.
The Department of Applied Physics and Science Education is a research-driven department housing high-quality educational programs, all featuring strong connections between research and education. Our research is clustered in three focal areas: Fluids, Bio and Soft Matter (FBSM); Plasmas and Beams (PB); and Nano, Quantum and Photonics (NQP). Our shared ambition is to equip the next generation of ‘engineers of the future’ with the knowledge and the skills they will need to impact science, innovation, and society, from regional to global scales.