PhD in Optical coherence; optimal delivery and positioning (OPTIC)

Job description

The NWO-funded research program “Optical coherence; op­timal delivery and positioning (acronym: OPTIC)” addresses optical challenges to enable high-tech optical devices that are energy efficient and secure, and improve food and wa­ter quality and quantity, with the aim of rendering the worldwide urbanization sustainable. Currently, high-tech industry is developing myriad novel devices that combine light scattering with free-formed optics, such as LED light­ing, miniature satellites for environmental and climate monitoring, metrology equipment for semiconductor chip-industry and secure bankcards. Due to insufficient funda­mental know-how of the combined technologies, devices are being designed by educated guesses, which limits pro­gress and applications. The OPTIC program will unite tradi­tionally distinct technologies with a hierarchy of length scales ranging from microscopic (nanometer) to macro­scopic (centimeter) scales. We develop novel insights and new architectures for free-form scattering optics to foster breakthroughs in the application areas mentioned above. The OPTIC program taps directly into the strengths of high-tech industry, enhances the knowledge infrastructure, de­velops new networks of expertise, and educates a new gen­eration of highly skilled professionals. See also the introduc­tory movie

Your research will be hosted by the world-leading Complex Photonic Systems (COPS) chair in the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, part of the Faculty of Science and Technology. The supervisory team includes Profs. Willem Vos, Melissa Goodwin (also at NanoLab-NL), Bill Barnes (also at Exeter), and Ad Lagendijk. For our infrastructure and past performance, please visit

Your profile

• We are looking for candidates trained in physics or (electrical) engineering.
• Expertise in optics is ad­visable, and know-how of light scattering is a bonus.
• The candidates will contribute excellent experi­mental skills to the team that will be complemented with strong theory skills.
• We expect candidates to be proficient in English and to have good professional communication and team working skills, and to enjoy interdisciplinary collaborations with scientists from high-tech industry.

Our offer

• An excellent and dynamic environment for researchers within our extraordinary research institute MESA+.
• An attractive campus and lots of facilities for sports and leisure.
• An appointment for 4 years as a PhD researcher.
• Terms of employment in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO).
• A salary ranging from € 2.770,- gross per month in the first year to € 3.539,- gross per month in the 4th and final year of your PhD appointment.
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Pension as part of the famous solid Dutch scheme (ABP).

Information and application

Your reaction should include an application/motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation, a detailed CV, and an academic transcript of B.Sc. and M.Sc. education. An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection procedure. Please apply before December 31, via the provided button.

For more information about the position, you are encouraged to contact Prof.dr. Willem Vos,(w.l.vos@utwente.nl) or call+31 (0)53 489 5388).

About the organisation

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.