Introduction
What can multilayer metasurfaces do that a single layer cannot?
Emerging applications in semiconductor metrology, advanced microscopy, and sensing demand greater bandwidth, efficiency, and control over light. In this Postdoc project, you will push meta-optics beyond the limits of a single layer through computational design, nanofabrication, and optical experiments.
Job Description
Modern optical systems need to do many things well at once: operate across broad bandwidths, maintain high efficiency, precisely control the wavefront, and remain compact. Meeting these demands simultaneously is a key challenge in semiconductor metrology, advanced microscopy, spectroscopy, and sensing.
Meta-optics offer powerful control over the amplitude, phase, and polarization of light at the nanoscale. Yet most metasurfaces still rely on a single nanostructured layer, which constrains the degrees of freedom available for optical design and imposes trade-offs between bandwidth, efficiency, and functionality as explained in our recent publication. In this Postdoc project, you will explore multilayer and hybrid meta-optics as routes beyond these constraints. By stacking nanostructured layers and combining meta-optics with refractive elements, we aim to expand the available design space and realize broadband optical functionality beyond conventional single-layer architectures.
Your research will cover the full cycle from design to experiment. You will:
- Design and model multilayer and hybrid meta-optics using full-wave simulations, computational optimization, and inverse design, including the co-design of metasurfaces with conventional refractive optics using tools such as Zemax.
- Develop and fabricate multilayer devices using electron-beam lithography, thin-film deposition, and reactive-ion etching, tackling challenges in nanoscale overlay, alignment, stacking, and process reproducibility.
- Build optical experiments for broadband characterization, fiber-optic alignment, and coupling between free-space, fiber, and integrated photonic systems.
- Close the loop between simulation and experiment, using measurements to refine designs and improve device performance.
You will also have the freedom to explore alternative fabrication approaches, including nanoimprint lithography and two-photon polymerization (2PP), toward complex, large-area, and scalable meta-optics.
The position is part of Heliopyxis, a collaboration between TU/e, the University of Twente, and industrial partners including ASML, SCIL Nanoimprint Solutions, and ALUVIA Photonics. The project targets broadband light manipulation and free-space-to-chip integration, with semiconductor metrology as an important driving application.
You will work within the Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics (PSN) group at TU/e, with access to advanced nanofabrication and optical characterization facilities. You will join a group of more than 40 researchers and collaborate closely with PhD and Master's researchers and academic and industrial partners. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will also have considerable freedom to shape the scientific direction of the project. Besides research, you will contribute to education and mentor BSc and MSc students during their research projects.
Job Requirements
We are looking for a researcher who enjoys moving between electromagnetic design, nanofabrication, and optical experiments to turn new photonic concepts into working devices.
- A PhD in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Nanotechnology, or a related field, with a background in nanophotonics, meta-optics, or integrated photonics.
- Hands-on experience with nanofabrication of photonic devices, particularly electron-beam lithography, thin-film deposition, reactive-ion etching, multilayer processing, overlay, or stacking.
- Experience with nanoimprint lithography or two-photon polymerization (2PP) is an advantage.
- Strong experimental skills in optical characterization and alignment. Experience with fiber-optic alignment and coupling to photonic devices is highly valued.
- Experience with electromagnetic modeling and simulation (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL, Tidy3D, or equivalent). Experience with optimization or inverse design is appreciated.
- A background in theoretical or experimental quantum optics or nonlinear optics is a plus.
- A team player who enjoys coaching PhD and MSc students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
- A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
- Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership skills.
You do not need expertise in all these areas; we value a strong foundation and the ambition to expand your skills during the project.
Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus at the heart of one of Europe’s largest tech hubs.
In addition, we offer you:
- Full-time employment for 1 year with the possibility of extension.
- Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10, ranging from € 4,422 (step 4) to € 5,760 gross base salary per month (full-time).
- In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
- As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
- High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
- An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
- Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
- We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
- Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
- A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
- A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) and a compensation for moving expenses.
On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!
About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.
Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.
The Department of Applied Physics and Science Education is a research-driven department housing high-quality educational programs, all featuring strong connections between research and education. Our research is clustered in three focal areas: Fluids, Bio and Soft Matter (FBSM); Plasmas and Beams (PB); and Nano, Quantum and Photonics (NQP). Our shared ambition is to equip the next generation of ‘engineers of the future’ with the knowledge and the skills they will need to impact science, innovation, and society, from regional to global scales.
Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact lab PI, dr. Ahmed H. Dorrah, [email protected].
Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact [email protected].
Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.
Application
We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:
- Cover letter highlighting your motivation, research goals, and qualifications for the position.
- Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and contact information of 2-3 references. References will be contacted at the interview stage.
- A copy of 1-2 publications that best represent your research or a 1-page summary of your PhD thesis.
Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.
We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.
Please note
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
Type of employment: Temporary position
Contract type: Full time
Salary: Scale 10
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 1.0 FTE
City: Eindhoven
County: Noord-Brabant
Country: Netherlands
Reference number: 2026/502
Published: 2026-08-17
Last application date: 2026-09-17
