H. Caglayan

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.