Assistant Professor In Optics/Photonics for Biomedical Applications

Position Assistant Professor

Irène Curie Fellowship Yes

Department(s) Applied Physics and Science Education

Institutes and others Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems

FTE 1,0

Date off 10/11/2024

Reference number V34.7761

Job description

Are you fascinated by optics and photonics? Eager to develop novel optical or photonic technologies that can contribute to biophysical or biomedical applications? If so, we invite you to be part of this journey and join an ambitious and inclusive research environment located in the heart of Europe’s premier high-tech region.

This vacancy is part of the Irène Curie Program and is currently only open to female candidates. Male applicants will not be considered for the position.

Job Description

We invite applications for an Assistant Professor in the field of experimental optics and/or photonics to contribute to applications of new technologies in biophysical or biomedical areas. These applications can range from imaging and spectroscopy to detection and manipulation of biomaterials. We have particular interest in someone who is passionate to work with or toward single-molecule applications. For this position, we envisage a mix of fundamental exploration of novel optical and photonic concepts, and the application of these concepts in novel technologies or devices for imaging, sensing, manipulation, and spectroscopy of biomaterials or biomolecules. The balance between fundamental and applied research will depend on the profile and interests of the applicant.

You will join the Molecular Biosensing research group (MBx) at the Department of Applied Physics and Science Education of the TU/e. The group hosts ~40 researchers at all levels and performs leading research on optical single-molecule sensing technologies, currently focusing on nanoplasmonic, optical and nanophotonic sensors. The team is multidisciplinary and hosts physicists, chemists, and biomedical engineers that collaborate in a close-knit team. The lab accommodates a range of facilities including highest modern microscopes in optical laboratories and wet-chemical labs for sample preparation and fluidics. These facilities are shared within the group, enabling you to kickstart your research program. 

Through this position you will contribute to the broader research theme of “Optics and Photonics” at the department. You will become part of the Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute, a new institute that brings together photonics, electronics and quantum technology at TU/e. The institute unites researchers from the departments of Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Mathematics, Biomedical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Depending on your research focus you will also become part of the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems.

To support you, we provide you with a startup package and access to state-of-the-art research facilities including our clean room. We offer a dedicated mentoring scheme, and free access to a broad portfolio of training programs for personal development and academic leadership. The TU/e also offers a stimulating environment for collaborations with other research units, departments, and industry. Within TU/e, exciting collaborative opportunities exist with other departments and multidisciplinary institutes.

You will be leading your own research group independently, while still being able to profit from the benefits that come with being part of a larger research unit and working in an open-atmosphere collegial department. You will also participate in, and contribute to, the development of the Applied Physics bachelor and master teaching program including specialized Master courses in optics/photonics. The TU/e education offerings in this area respond to the increasing needs of industry in the Netherlands, which will considerably expand its activities and hires in optics/photonics in the coming years, and to the ambition of the TU/e to play a key role in this ecosystem.  This brings ample opportunities for valorization in the area of optics and photonics for biomedical applications.

Job requirements

•  PhD in (applied) physics or a comparable domain.
• Background in optics, nanophotonics, or related technologies, showing clear affinity for biophysical and biomedical applications.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable output.
• Affinity and willingness to teach and contribute to the Applied Physics bachelor and master curriculum.
• Collaborative skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Experience in acquiring external research funding from (inter)national funding bodies, or industry is an asset
• Effective communication and leadership skills, including coaching and mentoring of students and staff, or leading a project.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English.

Conditions of employment

We offer 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 station and city center. In addition, we offer you:

• A development track with the prospect of becoming Associate Professor and the possibility of an immediate tenured position.
• A tailor-made start-up package to kickstart your career.
• As part of the Irène Curie Program, you are entitled to a substantial, additional, start-up package.
• Free access to high-quality training programs for academic leadership, the university teaching qualification program, research and valorization competences, and a dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as the partner career support program to support accompanying partners, an international spouse program and sports facilities.
• The opportunity to focus your career on research, teaching, or impact. You can develop your personal ambitions within the strategic objectives of the university.
• A gross monthly salary of min. € 4537,- and max. € 7056,- (scale 11 and scale 12) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, and - depending on your personal situation - a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility).
• Possibility for part time employment starting at 0.8 fte.

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

We believe that diversity broadens our research scope and enhances the quality of our education. Our Irène Curie Fellowship aims to advance talented female researchers, in order to thrive and be successful in top positions in science, contributing to the societal goal of promoting equal opportunities. The program addresses the aspirations and needs of women in industry, academia, and research institutes in order to support their ambition to become a professor at our university.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager dr. Peter Zijlstra, Associate Professor at the MBx research group: p.zijlstra@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Josje van Oudenaarden, Senior Recruiter, j.e.v.oudenaarden@tue.nl or +31 643559575.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

This vacancy is part of the Irène Curie Program and is currently only open to female candidates. Male applicants will not be considered for the position.

We invite you to submit a complete application.
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.
• Description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages).
• Statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages).

We look forward to your application. The closing date for applications is November 10th, 2024. The timeline for the selection process is as follows:

November 10:                    Application deadline.

November 25-29:              Invitations for the online interviews.

December 2-13:                Online interviews with the selection committee.

January 6-10, 2025:          Invitations for the Candidates’ Day on campus.

February 2025:                  Candidates’ Day on campus (interview program).

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