PhD in Dynamic Metasurfaces for Spacetime-Engineered Light Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

PhD opportunity at Eindhoven University of Technology in dynamic metasurfaces for spacetime-engineered light.

This fully funded PhD position sits within the Photonic Integration group in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), in the Netherlands. The project is part of the SPARK Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network and focuses on developing metasurfaces for synthetic crystal rotation and nonreciprocal light-matter interactions through ultrafast spatiotemporal modulation.

The research combines theoretical modelling, numerical simulation, device realization, and ultrafast experimental characterisation. The successful candidate will study anisotropic metasurfaces with epsilon-near-zero-like behaviour, develop dynamically modulated metasurface structures, and evaluate their optical response with the aim of demonstrating synthetic spacetime rotation and generating spatiotemporal light fields. The work is positioned at the intersection of photonics, optics, applied physics, and advanced materials research.

The PhD candidate will work in an interdisciplinary, international environment and collaborate closely with researchers across theory, fabrication, and characterisation. The project includes secondments at the University of Navarra (UPNA), Spain, for theoretical modelling, and at UltraFast Innovations GmbH (UFI), Germany, for ultrafast optical characterisation. These secondments provide access to complementary expertise and facilities within the consortium.

Eligibility highlights include a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Applied Physics, Materials Engineering, or a related field; a research-oriented mindset; strong teamwork and communication skills; interest in industrial collaboration; and fluent English at C1 level. The appointment is full-time for four years with an intermediate assessment after nine months.

Funding and benefits are provided under the Dutch Universities collective labour agreement (scale P), with a gross base salary of approximately €3,204 to €4,051 per month, plus an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. Additional employment benefits include pension, leave provisions, training support, commuting/home-work allowances, and access to TU/e facilities and support services.

The application deadline is 2026-10-18. Applications must be submitted online and should include a cover letter, CV with research experience and publications, and contact details for three references.

For questions, contact the hiring manager, Humeyra Caglayan ([email protected]), or HR Advisor Kevin Caris ([email protected]).