Summary
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is inviting applications for a fully funded, 4-year PhD position within the Computational Illumination Optics group in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. The project focuses on developing novel mathematical models and numerical optimization algorithms that systematically incorporate uncertainties (such as manufacturing tolerances and material variability) into the design process of high-performance optical systems like telescopes and cameras.
Fully Funded PhD Position: Robust Multi-Criteria Optical Design under Uncertainty
Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Position / Designation | PhD Candidate / Doctoral Researcher |
| Host Institution | Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) |
| Department / Group | Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (CASA / Computational Illumination Optics Group) |
| Location | Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands |
| Employment Type | Full-Time (1.0 FTE), 4-Year Fixed-Term Contract |
| Monthly Salary | €3,204 to €4,051 gross base salary per month (Scale P) |
| Additional Benefits | 8% Holiday Allowance, 8.3% End-of-Year Bonus, Pension Scheme, Paid Leave |
| Application Deadline | September 17, 2026 |
Designation
- PhD Candidate / Scientific Researcher
Research Area
- Applied & Numerical Mathematics
- Numerical Optimization & Scientific Computing
- Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) (e.g., polynomial chaos expansions, spectral methods)
- Computational Optics & Inverse Freeform Optical Design
- Partial & Ordinary Differential Equations (PDEs/ODEs)
Location
- City/Country: Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Campus: Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e Campus), within walking distance of Eindhoven Central Station.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Degree: A Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in (Applied) Mathematics, Scientific Computing, or a closely related quantitative discipline.
- Core Competencies: Strong background in mathematical modeling, numerical analysis, and optimization techniques.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in scientific programming languages (such as Python, MATLAB, C, or C++).
- Language Proficiency: Excellent written and spoken English communication skills (minimum C1 level).
- Soft Skills: A collaborative, pro-active team player with strong analytical abilities, a passion for interdisciplinary work with industrial partners (e.g., ASML, Signify, TNO), and a willingness to engage in teaching and student mentoring.
Scholarship / Employment Description
- Contract Duration: 4 years full-time, starting with an initial evaluation after 9 months.
- Financial Package:
- Gross Salary: Ranges from €3,204 (Year 1) to €4,051 (Year 4) gross per month, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU).
- Allowances & Bonuses: Annual 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
- Social Security & Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance options, pension contributions, and parental/maternity leave schemes.
- Academic & Teaching Duties: Up to 10%–15% of working hours will be dedicated to academic support and coaching/teaching tasks.
- Research Environment: Based in the CASA (Centre for Applied Analysis, Scientific Computing and Applications) research centre, offering state-of-the-art computational infrastructure and close ties to high-tech industry leaders.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically through the official TU/e recruitment system:
- Visit the TU/e Official Job Portal.
- Click on the “Apply for position” button.
- Upload the required application dossier:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A Cover / Motivation Letter detailing your research interests and suitability for the project.
- Copies of B.Sc. and M.Sc. transcripts and degree certificates.
- Contact details of two academic referees.
Last Date for Apply
- September 17, 2026
