Postdoc in Advanced Manufacturing for Sustainable Heterogeneous Photonic Integration Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (Eindhoven University of Technology) is offering a 2-year postdoctoral position in Advanced Manufacturing for Sustainable Heterogeneous Photonic Integration. The project sits at the intersection of photonic integrated circuits, semiconductor processing, and sustainable manufacturing, with a strong focus on developing circular fabrication concepts for next-generation photonic chips.

The research aims to advance heterogeneous integration on silicon substrates by creating transfer-ready InP photonic devices and circuits, along with process technologies that enable selective wafer-scale pick-up of photonic coupons and dies. A major goal is to support reuse of III-V substrates across multiple fabrication-transfer-reuse cycles, reducing material consumption, production cost, and waste. The work includes transfer-aware device and layout design, release-layer engineering, substrate recovery strategies, manufacturing process development, and process integration.

The position is funded by the PhotonDelta National Growth Fund and is part of the broader Chips for Europe PIXEurope Pilot Line. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with TNO, which develops Laser-Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT) for photonics, as well as with experts at the Photonic Integration Technology Centre (PITC) and the JePPIX Pilot Line ecosystem. The appointed researcher is expected to contribute building blocks that can be shared with consortium partners, supporting Europe’s industrial deployment of heterogeneous photonic integration.

Experimental work will be carried out at the NanoLab@TU/e cleanroom facility, which includes a state-of-the-art 4-inch processing line for III-V semiconductors, ASML DUV lithography, AIXTRON MOCVD epitaxy, electron-beam lithography, plasma etching tools, and wafer-level bonding equipment. The project is well suited to a researcher interested in hands-on cleanroom work, semiconductor device physics, and the engineering of photonic integrated circuit technologies.

Applicants should hold a PhD in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related area. The role also requires strong English communication skills, good leadership and collaboration abilities, and a track record of high-quality academic research. Experience or deep technical insight into design, manufacturing, or testing of photonics IC technologies is an advantage.

Employment conditions include full-time work, a salary in Dutch university scale 10, 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension participation, training opportunities, and access to TU/e’s research infrastructure and support services. Applications are accepted online until 2026-09-24, and the vacancy remains open until filled.