1 year (Valorization) Researcher position on “Photonic Integrated Computing” at TU/e

The Electro-Optical Communication Systems (ECO) group and the PNN Lab (Photonic Neural Network Lab) within the Department of Electrical Engineering of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) are seeking to hire an outstanding researcher on “Photonic Integrated Computing” to bring forward the work to setup a startup on the topic.

What You'll Work On
Market knowledge, challenges identification in AI, business case and differentiators Write projects writing and funding acquiring Computing architectures and optical architectures Benchmarking against real-world use cases

This role blends theory and hands-on experimentation — from modelling neural networks and system architectures to physically implementing and testing photonic integrated programmable hardware engines – and project acquisition, as well.

The Ecosystem
You'll join a close-knit team at TU/e’s Electro-Optical Communication Systems (ECO) and the PNN Lab (Photonic Neural Network) Team, a powerhouse collective of researchers and partners working on the frontier of sustainable computing.

Why This is Unique
This isn't a typical position. You’ll be operating in a startup-like environment where creativity, speed, and ownership are key. If you're excited by the idea of merging brain-inspired computing with bleeding-edge photonic-electronic hardware—and turning those ideas into working systems—you’ll feel right at home here.

We're looking for a driven, curious, and hands-on researcher ready to dive into the future of ultra-efficient, low-latency computing at the intersection of electronics, photonics, and deep learning. This role is part of a high-impact, multidisciplinary initiative that's more than just academia — it's about building next-generation computing engines that could power everything from edge AI devices to future cloud infrastructure.

You’ll be at the heart of a unique collaboration between leading labs and a growing ecosystem, working like a startup inside the university: fast-paced, agile, and impact-oriented.

We’re looking for someone with strong technical chops and a startup mindset. You thrive on problem-solving, funding acquisition, prototyping, and iterating fast — and you're hungry to shape how the future computes.

You have:

• A Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or Applied Physics
• Inclination to business and roadmap co-creation
• A solid grasp of computer architectures and AI market
• Strong programming skills and an affinity for AI models
• A collaborative attitude, fluent English skills, and the ability to deliver under pressure

An exciting position within an international yet personal university. You are right in the middle of the students, on a green campus within walking distance of the central station. Besides beautiful architecture, you will find varied workplaces and excellent sports facilities.

We also offer you:

• A fixed term position for 1,0 fte for one year, with possible extension.
• A monthly salary of minimum € 3.378,- to maximum € 5.331,- for full-time employment, depending on your knowledge and experience (scale 10 collective labour agreement for Dutch Universities).
• In addition to vacation pay, a structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• A favourable arrangement for more holidays, up to 41 holidays based on 1,0 fte.
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits.
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance.
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring, workshops and coaching.
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet.
• A generous employer contribution to the favourable ABP pension plan.

Here you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!