Summary
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is offering a full-time doctoral scholarship in Photonics Engineering within the Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) research group. This PhD position focuses on end-to-end incoherent holographic imaging, a cutting-edge field aiming to capture 3D scene information using natural, spatially incoherent light sources. The research involves developing models for incoherent light propagation, optimizing optics and computational imaging, and prototyping camera hardware. The successful candidate will work in collaboration with VUB’s ETRO research group and the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) in Japan, contributing to a vibrant international research environment.
Designation
Doctoral Researcher (Doctoraatsbursaal)
Scholarship Details
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Research Group | Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) |
| Faculty | Engineering Sciences |
| Department | Applied Physics and Photonics |
| University | Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) |
| Duration | 12 months (renewable up to 48 months, subject to positive evaluation) |
| Start Date (Estimated) | November 1, 2026 |
| Location | Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus, Elsene (Brussels), Belgium |
Research Area
The research focuses on end-to-end incoherent holographic imaging. This involves:
- Developing models for incoherent light propagation.
- Joint optimization of optics and computational imaging.
- Development and prototyping of camera optics and hardware to record high-quality holograms under natural light conditions.
- Addressing limitations in current incoherent holographic systems related to inaccurate models and complex 3D scene reconstruction.
Location
Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus, Elsene (Brussels), Belgium
Eligibility/Qualification
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Engineering Sciences (Photonics, Electronics and Information Technology) or Physics, or an equivalent diploma recognized by competent university authorities.
- Proficiency in English.
- Strong interest in pioneering research in applied physics and photonics, with the ambition to obtain a doctorate.
- Enthusiasm for transferring knowledge and insights to master’s level students.
- No prior assistant mandate funded by operational resources for more than 12 months (cumulative).
- For non-EEA citizens, meeting the conditions for obtaining a valid VUB permit and VUB residency requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Expertise in optical design and machine learning is a strong plus.
Scholarship Description
The doctoral scholarship offers a full-time position for 12 months, extendable up to a maximum of 48 months based on positive evaluations. The scholarship amount is linked to government-defined scales. The position requires active scientific research, collaboration with internal and international partners, presentation of results at international conferences, and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Limited coordination and supervision of exercises, practicals, and projects (WPO) within the department’s courses are also part of the role. The candidate will contribute to promoting the department’s programs and potentially participate in departmental governance.
VUB offers a supportive and diverse workplace with benefits including:
- Extensive remote work options or compensation for internet/telework.
- An open, informal work environment with focus on work-life balance.
- 35 vacation days (for full-time employment), closure between Christmas and New Year, and 3 additional leave days.
- Free hospitalization insurance.
- Maximum reimbursement for public transport commuting and/or bicycle allowance.
- Varied meals at campus restaurants at attractive rates.
- Affordable sports facilities, discounts via Benefits@Work, and Ecocheques.
- On-campus childcare and discounts on holiday camps.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply online via the VUB job portal by the specified deadline. The application must include the following documents:
- Motivation letter.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Diplomas (not applicable for VUB alumni).
The selection process typically involves an initial selection based on the application dossier, followed by a job interview.
For questions about the position, contact Prof. Yunfeng Nie at Yunfeng.Nie@vub.be or +32 2 629 35 70.
Last Date for Apply
September 30, 2026
