Postdoctoral Research Positions in Photonics & Microwave Photonics University of Twente in Netherlands

The Nonlinear Nanophotonics (NLNP) group at the University of Twente is seeking several outstanding postdoctoral researchers to join their efforts in developing next-generation integrated photonic chips. These chips are intended for applications such as optical clocks, quantum technology, and advanced integrated microwave photonic chips for 6G telecommunications and beyond. The research will focus on stimulated Brillouin scattering in various waveguide platforms, including thin-film lithium niobate, and will involve both fundamental and applied aspects of photonics.

Successful candidates will be responsible for selecting material platforms, designing optical functionalities for photonic integrated circuits, creating mask designs, and fabricating photonic chips in the renowned MESA+ Nanolab or in collaboration with external partners. Characterization of the fabricated chips will be performed using state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. The NLNP group, chaired by Dr. David Marpaung, is embedded within the Applied Nanophotonics department, which comprises over 70 scientists working on photonics and related fields, including mathematical modeling for photonic simulations.

Applicants must hold a PhD in photonics, physics, electronic engineering, or closely related areas, with evidence of academic excellence through publications and conference presentations. Experience with fabrication of photonic and piezoelectric materials (such as silicon, silicon nitride, aluminium nitride, lithium niobate), nonlinear optics (especially stimulated Brillouin scattering), and integrated photonics circuit design, fabrication, and characterization is required. Additional experience in integrated microwave photonics, optical quantum technologies, optical communications, or optical clocks is highly valued. Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English are mandatory.

The position offers an initial full-time contract for two years, with a gross monthly salary ranging from €4,241 to €5,538 depending on experience and qualifications. Additional benefits include an 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, a solid pension scheme, 328 leave hours for full-time employment, and free access to sports facilities on campus. The University of Twente provides world-class facilities for photonics and microwave photonics research, opportunities for collaboration with leading photonics industries in the Netherlands, and excellent mentorship in a collaborative and supportive research environment. Career support and professional development courses are also available.

To apply, submit your application via the provided link before June 30, 2026. Required documents include a motivation letter, detailed CV with publication list, PhD thesis title and DOI if available, academic transcripts of B.Sc. and M.Sc., and contact details of at least two academic referees. Screening will be part of the procedure. For further information, contact Dr. David Marpaung at [email protected].

The Faculty of Science & Technology at the University of Twente is a leading institution in chemical technology, applied physics, and biomedical technology, with a strong focus on sustainable energy, process technology, materials science, nanotechnology, and technical medicine. The faculty collaborates intensively with industrial partners and researchers both nationally and internationally, and its research is accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre, and Digital Society Institute.