PhD position on computational illumination optics

Introduction

Are you eager to use your mathematical skills to model and design optical systems for sustainable high-tech devices for billions of people? Do you like to develop and analyze numerical methods for partial differential equations?

Job Description

The Computational Illumination Optics group is one of the few mathematics groups worldwide working on mathematical models of optical systems. They develop and analyze numerical methods to solve the resulting differential equations. The team has a healthy portfolio of PhD positions and close collaborations with industrial partners. It consists of four full FTEs at Eindhoven University of Technology and one part-time professor.

The group has three research tracks: freeform design, imaging optics and improved direct methods; for more details see https://martijna.win.tue.nl/Optics/.

The text below does not contain figures due to restrictions in the application software system. Click here to see the full description as a PDF file.

The goal in freeform design is to compute the shapes of optical surfaces (reflector/lens) that convert a given source distribution, typically LED, into a desired target distribution. The surfaces are referred to as freeform since they do not have any symmetries. The governing equation for these problems is a nonlinear second-order partial differential equation (PDE) of Monge-Ampère type. The PDE is elliptic if we choose a positive right-hand side, it is hyperbolic for a negative one. The field of hyperbolic Monge-Ampère is relatively new. The elliptic cousin of the Monge-Ampère equation is well studied but on the hyperbolic case there are less results and hardly any publications on numerical methods to solve these problems. The elliptic PDE leads to convex or concave solutions, the hyperbolic one to saddle-shaped surfaces.

To design smooth periodic lens arrays, we need to combine concave, convex and saddle-shaped solutions. The research project aims to find solutions to the hyperbolic Monge-Ampère equation and to combine solutions into periodic surfaces.

Job Requirements

We are looking for talented enthusiastic PhD candidates who meet the following requirements:

• A master’s degree in (applied) mathematics or (applied) physics with a background in mathematical modeling and scientific computing
• Experience with solving ordinary and partial differential equations numerically
• Experience with programming (C, C++, Python, Matlab or alike)
• Creative pro-active team player with good analytical skills
• A research-oriented attitude
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level)
  
  

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: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

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.

With over 110 (assistant, associate and full) professors, almost 300 PhD and EngD students, about 1.500 Bachelor students and 1000 Master students, the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS) is the largest department of the TU/e. By performing top-level fundamental and applied research, and maintaining strong ties with industry, M&CS aims to contribute to science and innovation in and beyond the region.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr.ir. Martijn Anthonissen, m.j.h.anthonissen@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.MCS@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view 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 by using the apply button. 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.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

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.