Summary
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is offering a full-time PhD scholarship in Photonics Engineering, focusing on end-to-end incoherent holographic imaging. This four-year doctoral project involves groundbreaking research in applied physics and photonics, aiming to develop advanced imaging systems. The successful candidate will work within the Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) research group, collaborating with ETRO at VUB and the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) in Japan, contributing to scientific publications and international conferences.
Designation
PhD Student with Doctoral Grant
Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
| Department | Toegepaste natuurkunde en fotonica |
| Research Group | Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) |
| Location | Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene), Belgium |
| Duration | 12 months (extendable up to 48 months) |
| Start Date | November 1, 2026 |
Research Area
The PhD project focuses on end-to-end incoherent holographic imaging. This involves:
- Investigating models for the propagation of incoherent light.
- Joint optimization of optics and computational imaging.
- Development and prototyping of camera optics and hardware.
- Recording high-quality holograms under natural lighting conditions.
The research aims to overcome limitations of conventional cameras and traditional holographic methods by capturing both amplitude and phase information using natural and spatially incoherent light sources, with a strong emphasis on improving image quality and three-dimensional scene reconstruction.
Location
Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium.
Eligibility/Qualification
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Engineering Sciences (Photonics, Electronics and Information Technology) or Physics, or an equivalent degree recognized by competent university authorities.
- Fluency in English.
- Strong interest in conducting groundbreaking research in applied physics and photonics.
- Ambition to obtain a PhD in this field.
- Enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and insights with Master’s level students.
- No prior work as an assistant, paid from operating resources, for a cumulative period exceeding 12 months.
- For (non-)EEA nationals, ability to meet conditions for a valid VUB permit and comply with residence requirements.
Strong Assets:
- Expertise in optical design.
- Expertise in machine learning.
Scholarship Description
The VUB offers a full-time PhD scholarship for 12 months, extendable up to a maximum of 48 months, contingent on positive evaluation of PhD activities. The scholarship provides a grant linked to government-set scales. The effective start of the scholarship is conditional upon enrolment as a doctoral student at the university.
Benefits include:
- An open, involved, and diverse workplace.
- Extensive homeworking options or telework/internet allowance.
- Exceptional holiday arrangements: 35 days of leave, closure between Christmas and New Year, and 3 extra leave days.
- Cost-free hospitalization insurance.
- Full reimbursement of public transport commute and/or bike compensation.
- Access to campus restaurants at attractive prices.
- Affordable sport and exercise facilities.
- Discounts via Benefits@Work.
- Ecocheques.
- Nursery near campus and discount on holiday camps.
- Opportunities for continuous learning through VUB platforms and training courses.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply online via the VUB job portal. The application process involves an initial selection based on the submitted file, followed by a job interview for shortlisted candidates.
Required Application Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Copy of diploma (not applicable for VUB alumni)
Last Date for Apply
September 30, 2026
