Introduction
Are you fascinated by cutting-edge photonic technologies and their role in shaping the future of clean energy?
Do you want to pioneer integrated photonic sensors for nuclear fusion diagnostics?
Join us in developing next-generation terahertz systems that will accelerate the transition to sustainable energy!
Job Description
Fusion energy is one of the most promising solutions to the global energy challenge, offering a clean, safe, and virtually limitless source of power. However, controlling plasma instabilities in fusion reactors remains a critical hurdle. Advanced diagnostics are essential to achieve stable and efficient operation.
In this PhD project, you will design and develop integrated photonic terahertz sensors for Electron Cyclotron Emission (ECE) measurements in fusion reactors. These sensors will enable broadband, high-resolution diagnostics, replacing bulky RF systems with compact, photonic-based solutions. Your work will involve:
- Architecting and simulating photonic-based radiometer systems
- Designing and fabricating photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for terahertz sensing
- Building and testing prototypes, from commercial-off-the-shelf components to fully integrated PIC-based systems
- Validating the technology in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) on the Wendelstein 7-X fusion reactor.
You will be embedded in the Quantum and Terahertz Systems (QTS) group of the Department of Electrical Engineering, and the Science and Technology of Nuclear Fusion group of the Department of Applied Physics. Furthermore, you will collaborate with leading partners in photonics and fusion research, including SMART Photonics and IPP. This position is part of the Photofusion project, funded by NWO and supported by the National Growth Fund initiative PhotonDelta.
Job Requirements
- A Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, or related fields.
- Strong interest in photonic and electronic co-design for complex systems-on-chip.
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and collaborate with industrial partners.
- Research-oriented mindset and motivation to develop new skills.
- Fluent in 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.
- Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
- 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.
On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!
Application
For more information about this exciting offer and to apply for the position please visit: https://academicpositions.com/ad/eindhoven-university-of-technology/2026/phd-in-pioneering-photonic-terahertz-sensors-for-fusion-energy/247236?languages%5B0%5D=en
