PhD Position in Physics

Your Function

As a PhD student, you will be responsible for the design, fabrication, and characterization of photonic processors on ferroelectric materials including thin film lithium niobate and barium titanate. You will develop and optimize these integrated photonic processors to reach maximum power efficiency.

Additionally, you will collaborate with another PhD student hired by our collaborators at TUe to actively test the performance of the fabricated devices jointly.

Your Duties

• Design, fabrication, and characterization of photonic processors (including an on-chip laser, delay line, and optical memory element)

• Participating in joint experiments

• Optimizing the design and reiterating all above tasks if needed

Your Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student with a strong background in photonic integrated circuits and their application in neuromorphics (not compulsory).

Requirements:

• Completed MSc in photonics, integrated optics, physics, or a related field

• At least one to two years of experience in designing and fabricating photonic microcircuits

• Hands-on expertise in optical characterization and microfabrication techniques

• Creative and bold individual who isn’t afraid to take risks and push boundaries in pursuit of innovative solutions

• Strong collaboration and communication skills

We highly value diversity and inclusion and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, even if they do not meet every requirement.

What We Offer

A challenging position in a socially engaged organization. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research, and service for a better world.

• Salary: € 2.901,00 (PhD) – € 3.707,00 (PhD) gross per month, full-time basis, depending on education and experience

• Employment: At least 0.8 FTE; initial 1-year contract, extendable to 4 years after satisfactory evaluation

• Attractive fringe benefits:

  • 38-hour working week with holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year (extra leave for 40-hour weeks)

  • 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus

  • Contribution to commuting expenses

  • Optional personalized benefits package

  • Discounts on collective insurances (healthcare and car insurance)

About Us

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation, and training socially engaged citizens who contribute to a sustainable, healthy future.

• Faculty home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes

• Employs over 1,600 professionals across 10 academic departments

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
VU Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We maintain an entrepreneurial perspective while concentrating on diversity, significance, and humanity, and we work on sustainable solutions with social impact.

Located in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, VU employs over 6,150 staff and educates over 31,000 students.

Diversity

Diversity is the driving force at VU Amsterdam. We aim to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences, and worldviews. We value an inclusive community and believe diversity enhances the quality of education, research, and services.

Interested?

If you are interested in this position and believe your experience will contribute to the development of our university, we encourage you to apply.

Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered. Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Contact:
Dr. Imran Avci
Associate Professor