Summary
AMOLF, in collaboration with Utrecht University, is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD scholarship focusing on optical information processing. The doctoral candidate will investigate how phase transitions can be harnessed to process signals using light, balancing energy consumption, speed, and accuracy in nonlinear nanophotonic systems.
PhD Position: Harnessing Phase Transitions for Optical Information Processing
Key Information Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Position / Designation | PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher |
| Host Institute | AMOLF (NWO-I) & Utrecht University |
| Research Group | Interacting Photons Group (Prof. Said R. K. Rodriguez) & Utrecht University (Prof. Allard Mosk) |
| Location | Amsterdam & Utrecht, The Netherlands |
| Duration | 4 Years (Full-time, 40 hours/week) |
| Salary / Remuneration | €3,115 gross per month (starting salary) plus standard Dutch employment benefits |
| Degree Awarded | PhD from a Dutch University |
| Application Deadline | Open until filled (Early applications encouraged) |
Designation
PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher
Research Area
- Primary Fields: Physics, Nanophotonics, Optics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Condensed-Matter Physics, and Stochastic Processes.
- Core Topic: Investigating spectral and temporal responses near continuous phase transitions in laser-driven optical cavities (containing perovskite crystals) to evaluate their potential for low-energy optical information processing.
Location
- AMOLF: Amsterdam Science Park, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Utrecht University: Utrecht, The Netherlands (joint research & teaching component; ~30 minutes travel between sites)
Eligibility / Qualification
- Education: An MSc degree in physics, optics, photonics, nanoscience, or a closely related discipline.
- Technical Skills:
- Laboratory experience in optics or photonics is preferred (not strictly mandatory).
- Strong background or keen interest in nonlinear dynamics, condensed-matter physics, and stochastic processes.
- Aptitude for both experimental setup/measurements and theoretical/numerical modeling.
- Soft Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate across two host research groups at different locations; ability to work independently.
Scholarship & Fellowship Benefits
- Full Employment Contract: 4-year appointment under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Research Institutes (NWO-I).
- Competitive Salary: Starting salary of €3,115 gross/month, increasing annually in accordance with Dutch academic scales.
- Relocation Support: AMOLF assists international candidates with visa applications, housing search, transport costs, and furnishing expenses.
- Professional Development: Access to specialized PhD-level training courses and career development programs.
How to Apply
- Submit your application online directly through the official AMOLF Vacancy Portal.
- Complete the personal data form and upload required documents (CV, cover letter/motivation letter, and relevant transcripts/diplomas).
- Contact for Inquiries: For questions regarding the position and project, contact Prof. Said R. K. Rodriguez at s.rodriguez@amolf.nl.
Last Date for Apply
- Deadline: Open until filled (Applications are reviewed continuously on a rolling basis; early submission is recommended).
