PhD in Pioneering Photonic Terahertz Sensors for Fusion Energy

Introduction

Are you fascinated by cutting-edge photonic technologies and their role in shaping the future of clean energy
Do you want to pioneer integrated photonic sensors for nuclear fusion diagnostics
Join us in developing next-generation terahertz systems that will accelerate the transition to sustainable energy!

Job Description

Fusion energy is one of the most promising solutions to the global energy challenge offering a clean safe and virtually limitless source of power. However controlling plasma instabilities in fusion reactors remains a critical hurdle. Advanced diagnostics are essential to achieve stable and efficient operation.

In this PhD project you will design and develop integrated photonic terahertz sensors for Electron Cyclotron Emission (ECE) measurements in fusion reactors. These sensors will enable broadband high-resolution diagnostics replacing bulky RF systems with compact photonic-based solutions. Your work will involve:

• Architecting and simulating photonic-based radiometer systems
• Designing and fabricating photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for terahertz sensing
• Building and testing prototypes from commercial-off-the-shelf components to fully integrated PIC-based systems
• Validating the technology in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) on the Wendelstein 7-X fusion reactor.

You will be embedded in the Quantum and Terahertz Systems (QTS) group of the Department of Electrical Engineering and the Science and Technology of Nuclear Fusion group of the Department of Applied Physics. Furthermore you will collaborate with leading partners in photonics and fusion research including SMART Photonics and IPP. This position is part of the Photofusion project funded by NWO and supported by the National Growth Fund initiative PhotonDelta.

Job Requirements

• A Masters degree in Electrical Engineering Applied Physics Photonics or related fields.
• Strong interest in photonic and electronic co-design for complex systems-on-chip.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and collaborate with industrial partners.
• Research-oriented mindset and motivation to develop new skills.
• Fluent in 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.
• 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.

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 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 managers;

• . Idelfonso Tafur Monroy
• Dr. Bruno Cimoli
• . Roger Jaspers

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Vivi Maas .

Curious to hear more about what its like as a PhD candidate at TU/e Please view the video.

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 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.