Assistant Professor in Optical Wireless Communication Networks

Future communication systems must integrate ultra-high bandwidth and low-latency connectivity across increasingly heterogeneous environments. Optical wireless communication networks will play a pivotal role in enabling 6G, LiFi, free-space optical links, and hybrid RF-optical systems, bridging the performance gap between optical and traditional wireless technologies.

This position will focus on developing foundational knowledge and advanced solutions for optical wireless networking — from physical-layer modulation and optical multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) to network orchestration and adaptive link control. You will explore innovative uses of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, neuromorphic computing, and photonic architectures to enable robust, intelligent, and reconfigurable networks capable of operating in dynamic, high-speed, and mobile environments.

Information
As Assistant Professor in Optical Wireless Communication Networks, you will:

• Develop a research program spanning the full protocol stack, from physical-layer innovation to higher-layer network optimization.
• Address the unique challenges of combining optical and wireless media — including robustness under mobility, atmospheric variations, and integration with edge intelligence.
• Investigate hybrid network topologies, optical access networks, and wireless backhaul solutions.
• Explore emerging domains such as digital twins, autonomous vehicles, immersive XR, aerial networks, and mobile edge computing for 6G+.
• Collaborate closely with other ECO research labs, TU/e colleagues in Center for Wireless Technology, and members of the Netherlands Wireless Optical Alliance.

Your research will be a key part of the photonic systems-oriented activities within the TU/e Casimir Institute, contributing to sustainable, high-performance communications and computing infrastructures.

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).

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. For a junior Assistant Professor this is (scale 11) min. € 4,728 max. € 6,433 gross per month (on a full-time basis).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• 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 and sports facilities.
• 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 30% facility) and partner career support.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact associate professor dr.ir. Eduward Tangdiongga, Chair of Photonic Wireless Convergence Laboratory at e.tangdiongga@tue.nl, +31 40 2473219 or Prof.dr.ir. Idelfonso Tafur Monroy, Chair of the ECO group at i.tafur.monroy@tue.nl, +31 6 42795018.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Thomas Slegers, Senior Recruiter, via t.slegers@tue.nl or +3161483 5214.

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