Are you fascinated by the interplay of physics and modern technology in the field of integrated photonics? Are you curious of the potential and applications of light and sound interactions in the nanoscale? Are you ambitious and dynamic? Do you strive for excellence?

We are looking for two PhD students to carry out state-of-the-art research on Brillouin signal processors in silicon nitride. With a strong cooperation of academic and industrial partners, collaborating in a comprehensive research program, we aim on exploring breakthrough science and building pivotal technologies based on the exquisite light and hyper-sound interactions in the nanoscale.

The vacancies are parts of LiSbon, the NWO Vidi project of David Marpaung, with LioniX International, Smart Photonics, and PhoeniX Software as industrial partners and Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (UPV) as academic partners.

The two PhD projects are highly collaborative. In one project, you will study, design, and characterize state-of-the-art nonlinear waveguide circuits with enhanced opto-acoustic interactions. Creative design of these circuits requires a deep understanding of the key dynamics of light and acoustic waves guiding. Fundamental insight will be built up via analytical and numerical modeling, which include simulations with software developed in collaboration with one of the industrial partners in the project. In the second project, you will explore the novel applications of the produced Brillouin integrated processor for modern optical and radio-frequency signal processing and quantum optics. For instance, you will integrate this silicon nitride Brillouin processor with versatile comb light sources and build advanced functional spectral filters with programmable resolution.

We are seeking a highly motivated person with an excellent background in photonics, physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, microwave photonics, or closely related areas.

We value your extensive experience in one of the following areas:

• Photonic integrated circuits
• Microwave photonics and signal processing
• Nonlinear optics, in particular Brillouin Scattering
• Optical frequency combs
• Optomechanics

You enjoy communicating your work verbally and in writing. You like working in a team, your curiosity inspires progress and you have clear scientific communication skills. We prefer applicants with strong English language proficiency. A scientific presentation will be part of the interview process.

We want you to play a key role in an ambitious project in an inspiring international environment.

• We strive for diversity and fairness in hiring - we offer you a full time four-year position with a one year probation period.
• We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating, modern research environment with world-class research facilities.
• You will benefit from a professional and personal development program and a green and lively campus, with lots of sports facilities and other activities.

Information and application
Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss the projects with Dr. David Marpaung (d.a.i.marpaung@utwente.nl) prior to submitting applications.

Applications should include the following documents:

• A one-page motivation why you want to apply for this position;
• A detailed CV (resume) with a publication list;
• An academic transcript of B.Sc. and M.Sc. education;
• A high TOEFL (> 90 or 100) or IELTS (> 6.5 or 7) score, generally requested.

You can upload the above mentioned documents through the application button below.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

Within the TNW Faculty (Faculty of Science & Technology) of the University of Twente some 700 staff members and 2000 students are involved in training and research on the interface of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. Research, which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes MESA+ and MIRA. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.