Assistant Professor in Science and Technology of Nuclear Fusion

Are you ready to shape the future of sustainable energy? Help us advance fusion energy, one of the most promising solutions for a clean and secure energy future. We are seeking a talented female scientist or engineer to join TU/e’s department of Applied Physics and Science education as an Assistant Professor in Nuclear Fusion Technology. Through the Irène Curie Program, we offer a unique opportunity to develop your own research line in a multidisciplinary, inclusive, and ambitious academic environment.  

The position

As an Assistant Professor in the Science and Technology of Nuclear Fusion (STNF) group you will be encouraged and supported to grow your career through high-quality research, teaching, mentoring, and engagement with international and industrial partners.

You will be active in teaching the engineers of the future. A central part of your contribution will be to the internationally renowned two-year MSc program in Fusion, one of the few dedicated fusion master programs worldwide. This interdisciplinary program, with strong challenge-based elements, is widely recognized for training top talent, and you will help us keep it at the forefront of fusion education while further developing it to attract students from across the globe. 

As a principal investigator (PI), you will build up a research group that fits well with the social and welcoming atmosphere of the group. You share our commitment to mentoring a diverse and inclusive team of PhD students and postdocs, working at the cutting edge of science and technology. 

You will develop your own research line that contributes to one or more of the group’s core focus areas: edge plasma physics and power exhaust, fusion materials, diagnostics and control in fusion, or broader on reactor-relevant technologies & approaches. We particularly welcome candidates whose expertise lies at the interface of these domains and who are motivated to foster new connections across disciplines. 

You will be embedded in the STNF group, part of the Department of Applied Physics and Science Education (APSE). Our group combines physics and engineering approaches to tackle key challenges in fusion reactor development. STNF is active in the Eurofusion programme, collaborates closely with the national institute DIFFER—located on our campus—and offers a unique, research-integrated MSc program in Fusion that trains the next generation of fusion engineers and scientists. 

This position is designed to strengthen the coherence and impact of fusion research at TU/e. You are encouraged to explore links with related expertise across the university (e.g. materials science, systems engineering and control, THz and optics technology, and plasma physics) and to actively contribute to the group’s educational mission. 

You will have the opportunity to shape your own scientific agenda while contributing to an urgent societal challenge: delivering clean, safe, and scalable energy for future generations. You will join an open and inclusive academic environment that values collegial support, personal development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. 

The department of Applied Physics and Science Education 

The Department of Applied Physics and Science Education (APSE) at TU/e conducts cutting-edge fundamental and applied research in Optics & Photonics, Plasma & Flow, Materials, and Quantum. We are a collaborative, ambitious, and inclusive community, driving innovation in science and technology to address global challenges. Located in the heart of the Brainport region, APSE is a key academic partner in shaping the future of high-tech industry and education. 

Job Requirements  

• You hold a PhD in physics, engineering, or a related field relevant to nuclear fusion research, and postdoctoral or industry experience is considered an advantage. 
• You have the communicative and social skills to take on independent teaching and mentoring tasks. 
• You have a strong research profile and have demonstrated potential to develop an independent research line aligned with one or more of STNF’s focus areas (edge plasma physics, fusion materials, diagnostics and control), and/or at the interface between them. 
• You show the ability and motivation to connect your expertise to ongoing activities within the STNF group and the broader TU/e research landscape (e.g. materials, systems control, THz and optics, plasma and, flow), as well as with DIFFER’s fusion programme. 
• You are a team player with excellent communication and collaboration skills and enjoy working in a multidisciplinary academic environment. 
• You are enthusiastic about contributing to education and student supervision, in particular within our internationally oriented MSc program in Fusion, which is a central part of the group’s educational mission. In addition, you are willing to contribute to the broader bachelor’s and master’s programs in Applied Physics. You are motivated to develop your teaching skills further; Prior teaching experience is appreciated but not required. 
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English.   

Conditions of Employment  

We offer 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 and city center. In addition, we offer you: 

• A development track with the prospect of becoming Associate Professor. 
• An immediate tenured position for qualified candidates.
• A tailor-made offer to kickstart your career including the access to cutting-edge research infrastructure. 
• Female Assistant Professors starting within our department are entitled to join the Irene Curie Program.
• A gross monthly salary of min. € 4728,- and max. € 7297,- (scale 11 or scale 12 based on relevant experience and/or seniority) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. 
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8%, plus a year-end allowance of 8,3% of the annual salary. 
• Free access to high-quality training programs for academic leadership, the university teaching qualification program, research and valorization competences, and a dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment. 
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as the partner career support program to support accompanying partners, an international spouse program and sports facilities. 
• The opportunity to focus your career on research, teaching, or impact. You can develop your personal ambitions within the strategic objectives of the university. 
• 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 is - depending on your personal situation - a tax compensation scheme (the expat scheme). 
• Possibility for part-time employment starting at 0.8 fte. 

Information and application  

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.   

We believe that diversity broadens our research scope and enhances the quality of our education. Our Irène Curie Program, aims to advance talented female researchers, to thrive and be successful in top positions in science, contributing to the societal goal of promoting equal opportunities. The program addresses the aspirations and needs of women in industry, academia, and research institutes to support their ambition to become a professor at our university.  

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

Information  

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Roger Jaspers, Chair of the group Science and Technology of Nuclear Fusion, r.j.e.jaspers@tue.nl or +31 40 247 2253. 

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Thomas Slegers, recruiter, t.slegers@tue.nl / +31614835214. 

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

Application 

This vacancy is part of the Irène Curie Fellowship and is currently only open to female candidates. Male applicants will not be considered for the position. 

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. 
• Description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages). 
• Statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages). 

We look forward to your application. The closing date for applications is November 9th, 2025. The timeline for the selection process is as follows: 

November 9: Application deadline. 
November 10-21: Reviewing applications / candidate selection. 
November 21-28: Invitations for the online interviews. 
December 1-12: Online interviews with the selection committee. 
December 15-23: Invitations for the Candidates’ Days on campus.  
February 2026: Candidates’ Day on campus incl. final presentation.