MSCA Doctoral Network (SPARK) PhD Position in Numerical Photonics University of Namur in Belgium

PhD position in numerical photonics at the University of Namur within the EU-funded SPARK MSCA Doctoral Network. The Lobet research team at the NISM institute (Science Faculty, University of Namur, Belgium) is recruiting a doctoral candidate for a project titled Perfect Broadband Temporal Metamaterial Absorbers.

The research combines theoretical and numerical photonics with experimental fabrication and characterization in the emerging field of time-varying photonics. The project aims to realize perfect broadband absorbers using time-varying metamaterials, with modelling of homogeneous lossy time-varying media and machine-learning-based optimization for broadband absorption. The doctoral researcher will develop skills in theoretical modelling and simulation of twisted photonic crystals at UNamur, nanofabrication of photonic structures at TU/e, and industrial exposure through JCMWave.

The position is part of the SPARK doctoral network, coordinated by Prof. Humeyra Caglayan (TU/e), and involving an international consortium including researchers from UNamur, TU/e, Imperial, UPNA, UAM, UMU, INESC MN / Técnico Lisboa, and others. The network will hire 15 PhD students working on spatiotemporal photonic technologies.

The host team, led by Prof. Michaël Lobet, is embedded in the NISM institute and has strong expertise in theoretical and numerical physics, especially photonics. The environment offers access to high-performance computing via CECI Tier-2 clusters, Zenobe Tier-1 facilities, and EuroHPC resources, as well as a broad software toolbox including MEEP, MPB, Lumerical FDTD, and COMSOL Multiphysics.

Funding includes a gross salary starting around 3000 EUR/month, with possible mobility and family allowances depending on personal status. The doctoral contract is funded for 36 months by SPARK/MSCA, with an additional 12 months funded by UNamur to complete a four-year thesis. Secondments include 6 months at TU/e for nanofabrication and characterization and 3 months at JCMWave for industry exposure.

Eligibility highlights: candidates should hold a master’s degree in physics, astrophysics, applied physics, optics, electrical engineering, material engineering, or a closely related field; should not already have a doctorate; and must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule (no more than 12 months in Belgium during the 36 months before recruitment). Strong English is required; French is basic. Experience in photonics, numerical methods, scientific computing/HPC, nanofabrication, or optical characterization is welcome but not required.

Application deadline: 15 November 2026, 23:59 Brussels time. Apply by email with a CV, full list of master courses and grades, a motivation letter, and up to three referees.