Assistant/Associate Professor in Physics and Reliability Engineering of PICs at Technische Universiteit Eindhoven

Are you ready to address fundamental reliability challenges in next-generation semiconductor and photonic technologies? If you're curious about the failures of diode lasers and PICs, we invite you to become part of our team at Eindhoven University of Technology, where you will establish a leading research program on reliability mechanisms in integrated photonics. This is a unique opportunity to merge scientific discovery with technological impact, shaping the future of photonic systems for various applications including communications, computing, sensing, and quantum technologies.

About the Company

The Photonic Integration group (PhI) at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is looking for a high-potential candidate for the position of Assistant/Associate Professor in Physics and engineering of reliability in PICs. As PIC complexity increases, reliability and lifetime are critical for their successful deployment in optical communications, sensing, quantum technologies, and emerging photonic computing systems. We seek applicants with expertise in reliability physics, degradation mechanisms, and lifetime assessment of semiconductor devices to enhance device and process design. The successful candidate will develop a globally recognized research line focused on reliability for PICs and integrated light sources, covering topics such as laser aging and degradation, defect propagation, reliability of heterogeneous III-V/silicon integration, high optical power effects, thermo-mechanical stress, thermal cycling, active device aging, and reliability-aware photonic design.

The Role

As an Assistant/Associate Professor, you will:

Develop an internationally recognized research program on the reliability, robustness, and lifetime of photonic integrated circuits and integrated light sources, employing both experimental and modeling approaches to understand, predict, and mitigate failure mechanisms.
Collaborate across disciplines, particularly in the semiconductor field, to explore synergies and common physics and failure mechanisms.
Contribute to TU/e’s educational mission by teaching and developing BSc and MSc courses, supervising PhD students and postdocs, and potentially contributing to the university’s lifelong learning goals.
Secure research funding from national and European programs (e.g., Dutch, Horizon Europe, ERC) and foster strategic collaborations with leading academic and industrial partners in photonics and semiconductors.

In this role, you will support the Dutch national Beethoven program's ambition to attract and educate top talent in semiconductors, thereby strengthening our industry.

Requirements

The ideal candidate:

Holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
Demonstrates expertise in reliability physics, accelerated testing, and failure mechanisms of photonic, optoelectronic, or semiconductor devices.
Employs an experimental and statistical approach to analyze and understand high-optical-power effects, materials degradation, stress mechanisms, or multiphysics reliability modeling.
Can translate reliability insights into improvements in device, circuit, or process design.
Possesses a clear research vision and the capability to formulate and execute it strategically.
Thrives in a multi-disciplinary and team-focused environment.
Has a strong track record of scientific achievement, evidenced by publications, prizes, patents, and/or grants, or equivalent proof of expertise for candidates with an industrial background.
Is passionate about teaching, mentoring, and supervision.

We particularly welcome applicants from the broader fields of semiconductor device reliability, integrated circuit reliability, microelectronics, optoelectronics, and photonic device engineering. While prior experience in integrated photonics is beneficial, it is not a prerequisite. We are especially interested in candidates who can articulate a compelling research vision for advancing reliability methodologies and technologies for future photonic integrated systems. Early-career candidates and those with significant industry experience are also encouraged to apply.

What We Offer

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:

Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 11 - 14, min. €4,925 max. €8,992 gross per month (on a full-time basis).
An 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38-hour working week) per year, which can be increased to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
Participation in the ABP pension scheme, with TU/e covering 70% of the pension premium.
A dedicated mentoring program to help you acclimate to the university and the Dutch research environment.
A Development Track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor, with tailored career proposals for more senior profiles.
High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.
Access to the on-campus children's daycare and the modern TU/e Student Sports Center at a very affordable rate.
Support for your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
Partially paid parental leave and allowances for commuting, remote work, and internet costs.
A Staff Immigration Team for international candidates, along with a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) and partner career support.

About Us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We collaborate openly with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible approach ensures lasting impact. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community. Discover what Light Up means to TU/e in our short company video.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world-leading tech region with over 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.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application, including:

A cover letter describing your motivation and qualifications for the position.
A curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and contact information for three references.
A description of your scientific achievements and research plan for the next five years (max 2 pages).
A statement of your relevant teaching experience and goals for the next five years (max 2 pages).

Ensure that you submit all requested documents; incomplete applications may not be considered.

Recruitment Process

We look forward to receiving your application by Friday, December 4th, 2026, 24:00h CET. The recruitment process will include:

Online interviews with the selection committee.
Candidates’ day on campus, including interviews and an introduction program to familiarize you with the group, department, and university.
A formal interview with a Recruitment Advisory Committee.

Please note:

Applications should be submitted online; we will not process applications sent by email or post.
A pre-employment screening (e.g., knowledge security check) will be part of the selection procedure.
Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.