Assistant Professor in Optical Wireless Communication Networks

Will you be our next faculty member shaping the convergence of optical and wireless networks for 6G and beyond? Are you inspired by the challenge of designing communication systems that can thrive under extreme heterogeneity?

Introduction

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.

The Electro-Optical Communication Systems group

This position is embedded in the Electro-Optical Communication Systems (ECO) group in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). Our group has been a leader in optical communications research for over four decades. With a strong international reputation and collaborations spanning academia and industry worldwide, ECO offers an exceptional environment for pioneering scientists to shape the future of communication technologies. Our core strength lies in bridging diverse technologies and addressing the most pressing challenges in communication networks. We bring together expertise across the entire chain: from photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design and fabrication to advanced optical and wireless network architectures. This unique interdisciplinary scope positions us at the forefront of next-generation communication research, including high-capacity telecom and datacom and more flexible and dynamic LiFi, free-space optics, and hybrid RF-optical systems.

Our researchers have direct access to a state-of-the-art cleanroom and more than 300 m² of advanced laboratories. With 12 tenured faculty and over 80 PhDs and postdocs, ECO offers a vibrant and collaborative environment in which ambitious scientists can excel.

Job Description

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).

Job Requirements

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonic Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• Have at least 3 years’ experience in academia/research institute/industry after obtaining PhD degree.
• Demonstrated ability to perform high-quality academic research, as evidenced by a strong publication record and/or relevant PhD work.
• Ability to teach and inspire students, with proven teaching experience or strong potential.
• Proven ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary and international research environments.
• Interest in transferring academic knowledge to industry and societal applications.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Excellent command of English (both written and spoken).

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:

• 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.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Information

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.

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

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. 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. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• Description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages).
• Statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages).

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

Recruitment process:

We look forward to receiving your application at the latest February 27 24:00h CET, 2026. 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 and a formal interview with a Recruitment Advisory Committee.

Please note 

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.