Assistant-Associate Professor In Intelligent Microsystems

Would you like to be part of a vibrant and collaborative academic community contributing to innovations with real-world relevance? Join us in shaping the future of 'microsystems' in the heart of the high-tech region of the Netherlands! The Microsystems section of the Mechanical Engineering department at Eindhoven University of Technology is seeking a passionate and talented Assistant or Associate Professor to expand its team.

The department of Mechanical Engineering

The department of Mechanical Engineering conducts world-class research that closely aligns with the technological needs of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands. We are deeply embedded in the Brainport Eindhoven ecosystem, enabling our staff and students to contribute directly to the development of technological breakthroughs with real-world relevance. With a strong track record of successful spin-offs and active participation in numerous national and international research consortia we offer a dynamic environment where science meets application. 
By offering a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects, we aim to develop engineers who are both scientifically educated, and application driven. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.

The Microsystems Section

The department of Mechanical Engineering focuses on research in the field of product and process design and manufacturing. The heart of the department is dedicated to designing, analyzing, improving and manufacturing new products and processes, as well as the materials required for this. The Microsystems section develops novel microsystems concepts, smart materials, and original manufacturing technologies for realizing innovative micro-devices. Examples include microfluidic platforms, micro-actuators, organic electronic systems, adaptive bio-interfaces, and smart biosensors. Examples of applications of this research are miniaturized and wearable medical microdevices, brain-inspired computing systems, organ-on-a-chips, and soft micro-robotics. The nature of the research ranges from fundamental/explorative to applied – the latter often leading to new opportunities for industrial partners or spin-offs from the section.  
The heart of the section is the state-of-the-art microfabrication laboratory, the 'Microfab/Lab'. This comprehensive lab combines cleanroom processing, 3D-printing, laser microfabrication, polymer processing, mechanical micromachining, and it also has a bio-lab.  

The Microsystem section currently consists of a diverse and committed team of ten staff members, ten post-doc and thirty PhD researchers. All of our staff members are part of the Institute of Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), and we are well integrated with the Eindhoven A.I. Systems Institute (EAISI).

The Position

Research themes of the candidate

Current microsystems are often designed for one or a few specific tasks, in which the system communicates non-reciprocally with its environment, not adapting to external changes. We envision that future microsystems will interact reciprocally with their environment and adapt their actions to external changes. For the development of next-generation 'intelligent' microsystems we are looking for candidates who can contribute to the following research themes:

1. The integration of multiparameter sensing (e.g., chemical, physical, mechanical) in the system.
2. Embodied intelligence where the microsystem adapts by learning through the combination of a central or local computing unit as well as local mechanical/chemical/physical adaptation.
3. Machine learning/artificial intelligence approaches for pattern recognition and classification of sensing data and for steering its learning behavior.

These themes are scientifically challenging but can open new paradigms in microsystems technology, particularly when combined. Also, their development will advance applications in wearable sensing and actuation, soft micro-robotics, organ-on-a-chip, and many other applications, generating impact on the longer term. The research is inherently interdisciplinary, offering opportunities for collaborations.

Responsibilities

• You will develop internationally leading research, and make significant contributions to high-impact journals.
• You will be responsible for setting up and driving your own independent research program by writing research proposals to acquire public and private funding. You will also lead or contribute to initiating and coordinating multidisciplinary research projects by diverse (external) funding sources.
• You will lead or contribute to the development of the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's and Master's teaching programs, and you will teach lectures/tutorials at both levels. TU/e supports its junior scientific staff in developing their teaching skills through a training program that leads to the University Teaching Qualification, an official certification from Dutch Universities.
• You will supervise and mentor BSc, MSc, EngD and PhD students during their final projects and internships. Your mentorship will empower the next generation of engineers.
• You will contribute to the success of the research group, department, and associated institutes by initiating, participating, or leading new internal and external collaborations.

Job Requirements

The following criteria are required for the job depending on working experience and level of professorship (Assistant or Associate Professor). For the more experienced profiles we expect more academic seniority in all aspects of the required academic profile (research, impact/valorization, education, and leadership):

• PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering or comparable domain. 
• Fundamental knowledge of microsystems design and knowledge on microfabrication methods. 
• Experience and proven expertise in one or more of the three above-mentioned research themes: integrated multiparameter sensing, embodied intelligence, machine learning, and AI for microsystems. These areas are complementary to the fields of expertise of the current section members. 
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• Motivated and/or ability to teach, contribute to teaching processes, and develop excellent teaching skills.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Effective communication and leadership skills, including the ability to coach and mentor students and staff, lead projects, or chair groups.
• Excellent proficiency in English, both written and verbal.
• Having international research experience is a plus.

Conditions of Employment

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:

• A tailor-made career proposal (Assistant, Associate Professor) will be considered given your experience and track record with the possibility of an immediate tenured position. For the Assistant Professor position we offer a development track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. For a junior Assistant Professor this is (scale 11) min. € 4.537 to max. € 6.209 gross per month (on a full-time basis). For an Associate Professor the range of the gross salary is (scale 13/14) min. € 6.286 to max. € 8.405 gross per month (on a full-time basis). 
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• A start-up package for the purpose of hiring a PhD student to kickstart your research.
• A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.
• High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care, sports facilities and extensive resources allocated for conference travel. 
• 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.
• The possibility for part-time employment starting at 0.8 fte (min. 32 hours a week).
• The start date of this position is flexible and in agreement with the candidate.

Information and application

About us

Our university

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. 

Embedding of our Professors

The department of Mechanical Engineering is organized in eight large sections, each comprising approximately ten Assistant, Associate, or Full Professors. All are considered as Principal Investigator (PI) according to our ‘everybody Professor’ vision. Each PI has the academic freedom to define and develop their own research profile. At the same time, collaboration lies at the heart of our culture; PIs actively engage with one another both within and across the sections. Within each section PIs share responsibility for shaping and delivering part of the curriculum, as well as access to state-of-the-art lab facilities and dedicated technical support.
The PIs and support staff across the department meet regularly to exchange ideas and present latest developments in Education, Research and Innovation/Valorization. These events are highly valued by our scientific staff and contribute to the strong sense of community and team spirit that defines our department.

Our culture

We foster a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We stimulate a team-oriented culture in which ideas are openly shared and interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged. Challenges are met with a proactive, can-do attitude, and we prioritize mutual support and personal growth. Our commitment to wellbeing is reflected in initiatives such as intervision groups, a Wellbeing Signal Group, professional leadership programs, and an active mentoring system.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Questions regarding the scientific content can be directed to prof.dr.ir. Jaap Toonder / j.m.j.d.toonder@tue.nl, or prof.dr.ir. Yoeri van de Burgt / y.b.v.d.burgt@tue.nl. 

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Josje van Oudenaarden, Senior Recruiter, via j.e.v.oudenaarden@tue.nl or +31 643559575.

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

Curious to hear more about what it is like as a professor at TU/e? Please watch the video.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application which should include:

• A cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• A description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages).
• A statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages).

As part of the online registration of your application you will be requested to answer some questions (e.g., about your expertise).

We look forward to receiving your application before August 16, 2025.

The recruitment process will include the following sequential selection rounds:

• Online interviews with the selection committee.
• Candidates’ day on our campus, including interviews and introduction program to get to know the group, the department and our university.
• Formal interview with the Recruitment Advisory Committee. We expect this to take place in December 2025/January 2026.

We look forward to your application and potentially welcoming you to our university.