PostDoc in Development of inverse design procedures for improved chip quality

Introduction

Photonics is widely regarded as a key enabling technology of the 21st century. Its application across scientific and industrial domains is being accelerated by photonic integrated circuits, or PICs, which combine many optical components into a miniaturized chip format. Similar to electronic integrated circuits, PICs are transforming areas such as healthcare, communication, sensing, and quantum computing, with the potential to create broad societal and industrial impact. In the Netherlands, integrated photonics is receiving major strategic investment through the PhotonDelta National Growth Fund program. This large-scale program brings together leading companies, research institutes, and universities to strengthen the Dutch integrated photonics ecosystem.

Within the PhotonDelta program, a nationwide consortium led by QuiX Quantum is working towards large-scale photonic quantum computing using PIC technology. As part of this mission, Eindhoven University of Technology will work on a major challenge in scaling such systems lies in achieving high fabrication yield and maintaining circuit performance despite unavoidable process variations in large-scale manufacturing.  As photonic quantum processors grow in complexity, small fabrication imperfections can significantly degrade interference contrast, increase optical loss, and reduce computational fidelity. Addressing these challenges requires new design methodologies that explicitly account for fabrication tolerances and manufacturability constraints during the design stage.

This project focuses on the development of advanced tolerance-aware inverse-design methodologies for photonic quantum computing building blocks. The research will combine computational photonic design, manufacturability optimization, and system-level validation to create robust photonic components such as beam splitters, couplers, and interferometric structures. The developed methodologies will incorporate realistic fabrication constraints, including etch-depth variations, line-edge roughness, and dimensional deviations, directly into the optimization process. The project will further establish robust libraries of manufacturable photonic components and validate them through close collaboration with foundry partners.

Job Description

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in photonic integrated circuit design, computational photonics, and optimization methods to contribute to the development of scalable photonic quantum computing technologies. The candidate will work on advanced inverse-design methodologies for photonic quantum circuits, with a particular focus on robustness against fabrication variability and manufacturability at wafer scale.

The postdoc will work within the Photonic Integration (PhI) group at Eindhoven University of Technology, which consists of more than 90+ researchers working on cutting-edge integrated photonics technologies. The project will benefit from strong collaboration with industrial and academic consortium partners within the PhotonDelta ecosystem. The candidate will be embedded in a multidisciplinary quantum photonics team consisting of PhD students, postdocs, and senior researchers working on related quantum PIC technologies. Strong collaboration across design, fabrication, and system integration activities is expected.

The technology development and experimental validation activities will be supported by the advanced cleanroom facilities of NanoLab@TU/e (www.tue.nl/nanolab), as well as by access to external foundry platforms through consortium collaborations.

Job Requirements

• PhD degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering or similar.
• Strong background in integrated photonics, semiconductor devices and physics (preferably with experience in design).
• Good knowledge in (numerical) modelling and component design.
• Experience in experimental work, of which cleanroom microfabrication and chip characterization are an advantage.
• Ability to work with experts from a broad range of scientific and technology backgrounds.
• Good writing and documentation skills, excellent analytical skills and communication ability.
• Ability to organize their own work independently to pursue the project-oriented goals.
  
  

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 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university 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.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Humeyra Caglayan, Associate Professor, [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact [email protected].

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 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 research experience and a list of your publications.
• Contact information of three relevant 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.
• All other information that might be relevant.

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

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.