PhD in Photonic Integrated Circuit-Assisted Nanowire-Based Neuromorphic Computing – PHINDER project

Introduction

The Photonic Neural Network Lab of the Electro-Optics Communication (ECO) group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is recruiting a PhD candidate to research novel integrated-photonics-assisted nanowire neuromorphic computing.

Job Description

The electro-optical communications (ECO) group in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at TU/e is a globally recognised leading scientific and applied research group focused on exploiting light for communication and quantum systems. We apply our knowledge in collaboration with other scientists at TU/e and more recently within the newly formed Casimir Institute to develop the required solution for many of the relevant challenges in communication and sensing systems. The group expertise spans from the fundamentals and physics of photonics optics the design and fabrication of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for computing and communications systems engineering to exploiting optical linear/non-linear signal processing to unlock fiber capacity and relevant higher layer protocols required to operate modern optical communication and quantum networks.

Based in the purposely built FLUX building at the TU/e Campus the ECO group has access to 300m2 of labs for conducting experimental research and is supported by a state-of-the-art 800m2 cleanroom. With greater than 100 group members including 13 tenured scientists 79 PhD candidates 16 postdocs and senior researchers the ECO group is a vibrant and exciting research group perfectly suited for talented and ambitious scientists. The group is active in spin outs and starts-ups (e.g. CubiQ Micro-align PhotonX Networks and LuXisens Technology) and carries out bilateral industrial research with major stakeholders in the communications industry.

Job Requirements

As demand for edge computing grows there is an increasing need for systems capable of processing data locally with minimal latency and low energy consumption. Traditional computing architectures based on CMOS technology and the von Neumann model struggle to meet these requirements as the separation of memory and processing units leads to data-transfer bottlenecks and increased power consumption.

PHINDER short for Picosecond-scale Photonic Heterogeneous Integrated Neuromorphic Detector is a European research initiative funded by the EIC Pathfinder 2025 program bringing together leading academic institutions and innovative companies to address these challenges. The project aims to develop neuromorphic photonic sensor systems capable of analysing light signals from complex processes at the picosecond scale while operating with extremely low energy consumption. The platform combines nanostructured IIIV semiconductor nanowires programmable photonic waveguides and neuromorphic sensor arrays into a unified hardware system that processes time-varying optical signals directly on-chip.

Coordinated by Luleå University of Technology the consortium includes Lund University NanoLund Eindhoven University of Technology Universidad de Oviedo Universidad de Cantabria Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

The project develops nanowire-based optoelectronic devices integrated with InP photonic circuits to realize photonic spiking neural networks. By combining modelling fabrication and hybrid nanowirewaveguide integration the project aims to enable ultrafast and energy-efficient optical signal processing and demonstrate its potential for advanced sensing and data-processing applications. The modelling work focuses on the design and simulation of the nanowirephotonic interface and the overall photonic neural network architecture. Eindhoven University of Technology will study optical coupling between nanowires and InP waveguides using different approaches to achieve efficient low-loss light transfer. The work also investigates nanophotonic structures to address optical mode mismatches and uses device-level simulations to support system-level network design. The fabrication work aims to develop a planar InP photonic platform capable of integrating nanowire devices with photonic integrated circuits. This includes the development of waveguide-based photonic circuits and coupling structures enabling hybrid nanowire integration. Additional activities involve device integration electrical contacting and chip packaging to enable experimental testing. The final phase focuses on the experimental demonstration of photonic spiking neural network architectures. This includes characterization of nanowire optoelectronic devices evaluation of coupling structures and testing of reconfigurable photonic circuits implementing neural network connectivity. Experimental validation will assess the performance of the platform for representative signal-processing tasks.

The ideal candidate must have:

• A masters degree (or an equivalent university degree)in photonics electro applied physics or similar.
• A strong background in integrated photonics preferably on IIIV or InP platforms with hands-on experience in waveguide and coupler design using electromagnetic simulation tools
• Experience with reconfigurable photonic circuits such as MachZehnder interferometer meshes and an interest in photonic or neuromorphic computing are highly desirable.
• The candidate should be familiar with cleanroom fabrication processes for photonic integrated circuits and with experimental characterization of photonic devices including ultrafast or time-resolved optical measurements.
• A systems-oriented mindset is essential with the ability to translate device-level parameters into circuit- and system-level performance metrics.
• Strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills are required enabling effective interaction with experts in nanowire devices neuromorphic algorithms and system simulation.
• Excellent scientific communication skills and the ability to contribute to an international research consortium are also expected.
• He/she should be fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

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 within walking distance of the central train addition we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme paid pregnancy and maternity leave partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities scale P (min. 3059 - max. 3881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure on-campus childrens day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern oncampus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate for you and if applicable your partner.
• An allowance for commuting working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

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 13000 students and more than 7000 staff forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven a worldleading tech region with more than 7000 hightech 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 mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education research and valorization. We work towards a Smart Sustainable Society a Connected World and a healthy humanity (Care & Cure). Activities share an application-oriented character a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more Please contact the hiring manager Patty Stabile Associate professor .

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact .

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Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

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.