→ Apply before 31/07/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
→ Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
→ Department: EA05 - Informatietechnologie
→ Occupancy rate:100%
→ Number of positions: 1
→ Type of employment: Contract of limited duration
→ Term of assignment: 2 jaar
→ Wage scale: PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree)
→ Required diploma:PhD
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.
About the Photonics Research Group
The Photonics Research Group (about 100 people) is an associated lab of imec, and is part of the Department of Information Technology of Ghent University. The group is headed by Prof. D. Van Thourhout and has been active in photonics device research for many years. The other professors in the group are R. Baets, P. Bienstman, W. Bogaerts, S. Clemmen, A. Curto, B. Kuyken, N. Le Thomas, G. Morthier, G. Roelkens, K. Van Gasse. The main research directions are silicon(-nitride) nanophotonics, heterogeneous integration, optical communication, quantum optics, photonic (bio)sensors and photonic integrated circuits for biomedical applications in the near-infrared and mid-infrared wavelength range. More in particular, the silicon(-nitride) nanophotonics work focuses on the design and fabrication of SOI-based photonic devices using standard lithographic techniques compatible with CMOS-processing. This happens in collaboration with imec.
The Photonics Research Group has been coordinating the network of excellence ePIXnet and is involved in several EU-projects, including Horizon Europe, CHIPS-JU, MCSA-ITN and Digital Europe projects.
Furthermore, the group is partner of the Center for Nano- and Biophotonics of Ghent University and of the UGent Core Facility NaMiFab.
The group has been awarded six European Research Council ERC Starting Grants, one ERC Consolidator Grant, two ERC Advanced Investigator Grants and is involved or leading 4 EIC Projects.
The groups leads ePIXfab, the European Silicon Photonics Alliance.
YOUR TASKS
- For this project you will be working in a multidisciplinary photonic integration team led by Prof. Kasper Van Gasse within the Photonics Research Group of Ghent University and imec.
The estimated breakdown of the research activity is approximately 50% clean room work and process development, and 50% optical simulations (Lumerical, mode solvers, FDTD, inverse design, …) and optical experiments. The focus will be on fabricating novel devices and measuring them in the state-of-the-art laser lab built in the framework of ERC StG LASIQ. The Photonics Research Group clean room has unique equipment for heterogeneous laser integration and micro-transfer printing.
- You will be responsible for:
- Developing novel fabrication methods for solid laser waveguides (e-beam lithography / dry-etch optimization / thin-film development)
- Testing and characterizing on-chip solid-state lasers
- Modelling and design of PIC narrow linewidth CW lasers for trapped ion/cold atom/color center quantum control
- Modelling and design of PIC femtosecond lasers for frequency metrologyDescribe the range of tasks in a sufficiently specific way.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Current photonic integrated laser systems, such as III-V laser diodes and Kerr frequency combs, have shown great promise to realize scalable quantum systems. However, the performance of these laser systems is still far from what is possible using tabletop free-space or fiber laser systems. During the ERC StG LASIQ we will research novel photonic thin-film materials to create beyond state-of-the-art on-chip laser systems. This work will build on the novel solid-state laser integration technologies and state-of-the-art micro transfer printing capabilities of the Photonic Research Group.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period from September 1st, 2026, till August 31st, 2028.
- Your contract will start on 1/09/2026 at the earliest.
- Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate). Click here for more information about our salary scales.
- All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.
INTERESTED?
Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.
Your application must include the following documents:
- In the field ‘CV’: your CV and a transcript of your academic record (merged into one pdf file)
- In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format
- In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign degree in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.
As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Kasper Van Gasse ([email protected], T: +32(0)93314842). Important: do NOT send your application by email but apply online.
Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [email protected].
