Assistant Professor in Nano-optics/Nanophotonics

Are you a passionate female researcher in nano-optics or nanophotonics, eager to explore the limits of light-matter interaction and shape the future of photonic technologies? Join TU/e’s Department of Applied Physics and Science Education (APSE) as an Assistant Professor and contribute to cutting-edge research and education in the leading tech Brainport region. This position is part of the Irene Curie Program and is currently only open to female candidates. 

The position
We are looking for a motivated and forward-thinking Assistant Professor to strengthen our research in nano-optics and nanophotonics. You will join the Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics (PSN) group, embedded in the Optics & Photonics domain of the department, and contribute to the development of novel photonic concepts and devices for applications in imaging, sensing, communication, and energy. 

For this position, we envision a mix of fundamental exploration of the limits of light confinement and light-matter interaction, and the application of these concepts into novel devices for imaging, communication, energy harvesting, and/or metrology/sensing. The balance between fundamental and applied research will depend on the profile and interests of the applicant.  

Potential research directions include: 

• Quantum optical processes at the nanoscale 
• Ultrafast and nonlinear light–matter interactions 
• Reconfigurable and active photonic systems 
• Optical metasurfaces and inverse design 
• Nanophotonic devices for communication, sensing, or energy harvesting 

You will establish your own research line while collaborating with colleagues, leading institutes and industry partners in a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment and beyond, including in areas such as magneto-optics, spintronics, biosensing, and quantum technologies. You will contribute to the optics and photonics curriculum in our Bachelor and Master programs and help train the next generation of engineers and scientists. 

Moreover, you will be active in teaching the engineers of the future, both at bachelor and master level, within APSE and possibly beyond. As a PI, you will build up a research group that fits well to the social and welcoming atmosphere of PSN. 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. 

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  

• A PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or a comparable domain, and postdoctoral or industry experience is considered an advantage. 
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality academic research, with a focus on collaboration and innovation. 
• Affinity and willingness to teach and contribute to the Applied Physics bachelor and master curriculum. 
• Collaborative skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 
• 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 (TU/e) 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, in order 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 in order 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 prof. Jaime Gómez Rivas, group chair of the PSN research group: j.gomez.rivas@tue.nl. 

Visit our website for more information about the conditions of employment.  

You can also contact Thomas Slegers, Senior Recruiter, t.slegers@tue.nl or +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 Program and is currently only open to female candidates.  

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. 
• Research statement (1-2 pages) describing your research interests and plans and its connections with the current research within CQT 
• Teaching statement (1-2 pages) describing your teaching vision, experience and goals 

We continuously welcome applicants to express their interest in this position. Applicants will be reviewed and contacted within two weeks. Promising candidates may expect an online interview. The last stage of the selection process is an on campus Candidates’ day including an interview program. 

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.