PhD in One-Way Transparent Liquid Crystal Polymer Films for Optical Interfaces

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to develop next-generation one-way transparent optical films based on liquid crystal polymer technology. The position is embedded in the research group of Dr. Danqing Liu at Eindhoven University of Technology and is part of the project TactVision: The Liquid Crystal Polymer Invisibility Cloak.
Modern optical systems including augmented reality glasses visors head-mounted displays and smart optical interfaces require materials that can guide light selectively: information should be visible to the user while remaining hidden from outside observers. This project addresses this challenge by developing cholesteric liquid crystal polymer coatings that selectively reflect projected light toward the user while maintaining high transparency from the opposite side.
The PhD project will focus on the molecular design formulation fabrication and optical optimization of one-way transparent films. You will work with reactive liquid crystal mesogens chiral dopants photo-alignment methods and multilayer polymer architectures. The goal is to create thin transparent robust films that can selectively reflect red green and blue light in controlled directions enabling privacy-preserving and stealth-compatible optical displays.

You will:

• design and formulate cholesteric liquid crystal polymer systems for one-way transparency;
• fabricate thin optical coatings using photo-alignment spin coating blade coating lamination and photopolymerization;
• develop multilayer RGB-selective films with controlled pitch handedness bandwidth and angular response;
• characterize liquid crystal phase behaviour molecular alignment pitch uniformity and film morphology;
• optimize optical performance including transparency reflectance haze polarization selectivity colour fidelity and viewing-angle stability;
• collaborate with experts in optical characterization modelling device integration and perception studies;
• translate material-level insights into design rules for scalable one-way transparent films;
• publish scientific papers and present results at international conferences.

• A masters degree (or an equivalent university degree) in the areas below.
• We are looking for a candidate with a background in one or more of the following areas:
  • materials science;
  • chemical engineering;
  • polymer chemistry;
  • physical chemistry;
  • liquid crystals;
  • soft matter;
  • optics or photonics;
  • coating technology.
• Experience with liquid crystal materials polymer networks optical coatings photopolymerization microscopy spectroscopy thin-film processing or cleanroom-based fabrication is an advantage. The ideal candidate enjoys hands-on experimental research is precise in materials preparation and is motivated to work at the interface of chemistry materials science and optics.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

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. 3204 - max. 4051 gross per month).
• 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 Expat Scheme) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

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 Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry bridges science and engineering to create sustainable solutions for society. By combining expertise in molecules materials and processes we drive innovations that address global challenges in energy circularity health and future technology. Through world-class research interdisciplinary collaboration and strong industry partnerships we educate engineers and scientists who turn scientific discoveries into technologies with lasting societal impact. Together we create chemistry for a better world.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more Please contact the hiring manager Danqing Liu .

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Eveline de Vetter HR Advisor .

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.

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.

• 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.