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

PhD position in numerical photonics at the University of Namur, Belgium

The Lobet research team in the NISM institute of the Science Faculty at the University of Namur is recruiting a PhD candidate for the MSCA doctoral network SPARK. The project, Optical Vortex Generation Using Twisted Bilayer Photonic Crystals, focuses on theoretical and numerical calculations together with experimental fabrication and characterization in the emerging area of moiré optics.

The research aims to design twisted photonic crystal structures capable of generating robust optical vortices carrying orbital angular momentum. The topic sits at the intersection of photonics, computational physics, electromagnetism, optical vortex generation, and nanophotonics. The candidate will work on modelling and simulation of twisted photonic crystals at UNamur, with secondments for nanofabrication at IMEC in Belgium and structured-light characterization at INESC MN in Portugal.

The project is embedded in the SPARK Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network, a European training network bringing together several leading academic partners and research teams. The network is coordinated by Humeyra Caglayan and includes partners across Europe, with close collaboration also mentioned with Prof. Benoit Hackens at UCLouvain. The successful applicant will join a dynamic and international research environment with access to HPC resources, established simulation tools, and strong expertise in photonics.

Funding is provided through Horizon Europe MSCA. The offer states a gross salary starting around 3000 EUR/month, with possible mobility and family allowances depending on personal status. The position is funded for 36 months by the SPARK network, with an additional 12 months funded by UNamur to complete the thesis. The starting date is expected between 1 February 2027 and 1 May 2027.

Eligibility highlights include a Master’s degree in physics, astrophysics, applied physics, optics, electrical engineering, materials engineering, or a closely related field; no doctoral degree at recruitment; and compliance with the MSCA mobility rule, meaning applicants must not have spent more than 12 months in Belgium during the 36 months before recruitment. Strong English skills are required, while experience in photonics, numerical methods, scientific computing/HPC, nanofabrication, or optical characterization is considered an advantage.

Applications should include a CV, a list of master’s courses with ECTS and grades, a motivation letter, and up to three references. The application deadline is 15 November 2026, and submissions should be sent by email to Prof. Michaël Lobet at [email protected].