Postdoc in Photonic Integration, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands

Summary

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to pioneer circular and sustainable manufacturing concepts for next-generation photonic chips. Funded by the PhotonDelta National Growth Fund and positioned within the Chips for Europe PIXEurope Pilot Line, this role focuses on developing advanced transfer-ready Indium Phosphide (InP) photonic devices, release-layer engineering, and substrate recovery strategies to enable scalable, low-waste heterogeneous photonic integrated circuits (PICs).

Job Posting: Postdoc in Advanced Manufacturing for Sustainable Heterogeneous Photonic Integration

Key Position Details

Research Area

• Field: Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Semiconductor Physics, and Integrated Photonics.
• Core Topics: Heterogeneous Photonic Integration, III-V (InP) semiconductors on Silicon, Laser-Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT), Circular Semiconductor Manufacturing, Wafer-scale Device Transfer, Cleanroom Micro/Nanofabrication.

Location

• Campus: Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Brainport Region, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.

Eligibility & Qualifications

• Education: A PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Technical Expertise: Deep-tech understanding of design, manufacturing, or characterization/testing of photonic integrated circuits (PICs).
• Practical Experience: Affinity and hands-on experience working in a cleanroom micro/nanofabrication environment.
• Domain Knowledge: Strong foundation in semiconductor device physics and optical waveguide theory.
• Research Output: Demonstrated track record of high-quality academic research through publications in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings.
• Language & Soft Skills: Excellent verbal and written English proficiency, strong communication skills, and collaborative leadership abilities.

Job Description & Responsibilities

As a Postdoc in this project, you will address the material consumption challenges of current heterogeneous integration by developing multi-cycle fabrication and substrate reuse methodologies.

• Device & Process Development: Design transfer-ready InP photonic devices and circuits tailored for selective wafer-scale micro-transfer (such as Laser-Induced Forward Transfer — LIFT).
• Release & Recovery Engineering: Develop release-layer architectures and substrate recovery strategies enabling the reuse of III-V parent wafers across multiple fabrication-transfer cycles.
• Fabrication: Execute advanced semiconductor processing at the state-of-the-art NanoLab@TU/e 4-inch processing line (utilizing ASML DUV lithography, AIXTRON MOCVD epitaxy reactors, electron beam lithography, and plasma etching).
• Consortium Collaboration: Work in close partnership with TNO, the Photonic Integration Technology Centre (PITC), and international partners within the PIXEurope Pilot Line to deliver validated PIC building blocks accessible to European industry and academia.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the official TU/e recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply now” button on the vacancy webpage (email or postal submissions are not accepted).

Required Documents:

1. Cover Letter: Detailing your motivation, research background, and suitability for the role.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including a complete list of academic publications and contact information for three professional references.

For informal inquiries regarding the role, you may contact the hiring manager, Dr. Victor Calzadilla (v.calzadilla@tue.nl), or HR Services (HRServices.ee@tue.nl).

Last Date to Apply

• Application Deadline: September 24, 2026 (23:59 CET)

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