What is it about?

Today, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) are everywhere around us: in smartphone and tablet displays, televisions, and computer screens. But can we use these devices also for optical communication, maybe even for superfast on-chip and chip-to-chip communication? And can we make fast switching organic lasers and photodiodes? In the EU Pathfinder project 'High-Speed Organic Photonics and OptoElectronics' (HiSOPE) you will address these questions together with colleagues in Paris, Grenoble, Kaunas, St. Andrews and Glasgow. You will collaborate intensively with the software company Scientific Computing and Modelling (SCM), which develops the software for quantum mechanical modelling.

The research team

You will work in the group Molecular Materials and Nanodevices (M2N), which researches optoelectronic devices of organic and perovskite semiconductors. The group is embedded both in the department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry (CEC) and the department of Applied Physics and Science Education (APSE), where you will be located. You will do theoretical/computational research, in close collaboration with experimental researchers.

What will you learn?

Your supervisor, Prof. Peter Bobbert, is an expert on quantum mechanical modelling of organic optoelectronic devices. He is co-developer of the scientific simulation software 'Bumblebee', which simulates the quantum processes taking place in these devices. You will learn how to work with this software and how to calculate from basic quantum mechanical principles the simulation input of this software, such as the energies of charges and excitons, and the rate with which these move (for an example, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1qkzv_Q7UU). You will also get acquainted with the growing use of AI in this research area. You will not only develop technical skills, but also personal skills on how to perform cutting-edge research in a mixed team of experimental and theoretical/computational researchers and how to publish your research in top journals. You will also be involved in education and learn to coach Bachelor and Master students. 

Key challenge

There are experimental indications that switching speeds of OLEDs in the GigaHertz range are possible, but understanding is lacking. The first electrically driven pulsed organic laser has been realized last year by the St. Andrews group, but its limits are unexplored. Organic photodiodes can switch more quickly than expected, but their ultimate response is unknown. Understanding how the underlying quantum mechanical processes determine the ultimate switching speed of these devices is the key challenge and your modelling research will play a central role. Ultrafast optical communication with organic optoelectronic devices is a very attractive alternative to WiFi. The compatibility of organic semiconductors with silicon means that these devices are also attractive for on-chip and chip-to-chip communication through optical fibers. Your work can therefore contribute to technological breakthroughs.

• A master's degree (or an equivalent university degree) in theoretical/computational Physics or Chemistry.
• Basic knowledge of AI.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

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 evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• 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.
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• 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, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager prof. Peter Bobbert, p.a.bobbert@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact the HR team at hrservices.flux@tue.nl.

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

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
   

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.