About the opportunity
This doctoral research project in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology investigates the fundamental limits of epitaxial growth for Indium Phosphide (InP) based materials, specifically InGaAsP and InAlGaAs, using a newest-generation Aixtron epi reactor. The PhD candidate will correlate epitaxial growth parameters to the electro-optical performance and reliability of active components, such as lasers and semiconductor optical amplifiers. Additionally, the project focuses on the science of device yield and manufacturability by developing predictive models connecting the physics and chemistry of metal-organic vapor-phase epitaxy to large-scale photonic circuit integration in collaboration with commercial foundry partners.
Salary and benefits
- Full-time employment for 4 years with an intermediate assessment after 9 months
- Monthly gross salary ranging from €3,204 to €4,051 (Scale P) under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities
- 8% annual holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus based on gross base salary
- Generous annual leave starting at 29 days (for a 38-hour week), expandable up to 41 days with flexible working hours
- Participation in the ABP pension scheme, with TU/e covering 70% of the pension contribution
- Paid pregnancy and maternity leave, alongside partially paid parental leave
- Allowances for commuting, working from home, and internet costs
- Access to the TU/e Staff Immigration Team and an Expat Scheme tax compensation for qualifying international candidates
- Free 24/7 mental health and wellbeing support through OpenUp, plus heavily subsidized sports center access and on-campus childcare
Who can apply?
- Master's degree in materials science, applied physics, electrical engineering, or a related field
- Sound knowledge and understanding of semiconductor physics, crystallography, and material characterization techniques
- Knowledge of epitaxial growth processes (such as MOCVD/MOVPE) and compound semiconductor materials
- Demonstrated ability to perform statistical data analysis and predictive modeling to link material properties to device performance
- Ability to analyze large datasets to uncover failure mechanisms, defect origins, and device yield drivers
- Capacity to tackle complex semiconductor manufacturing challenges and devise innovative process solutions
- Proficiency in spoken and written English at the C1 level
Required documents
- Cover letter describing motivation and qualifications for the doctoral position
- Curriculum vitae including a list of publications
- Contact information for three professional references
When to apply
- Published date: October 10, 2026
- Application deadline: November 10, 2026
- Applications are screened continuously as received, and the vacancy remains open until filled
How to apply
- Click the online application button on the official TU/e job portal
- Upload the required cover letter, CV with publication list, and reference contact details
- Submit the application online before the deadline (applications via email or post are not accepted)
- Complete any required pre-employment verification, such as a national knowledge security screening
Additional information
- Teaching activities account for a minimum of 10% and a maximum of 15% of annual employment time across the four years
- The position is based in the Photonic Integration Group in the Brainport Eindhoven high-tech ecosystem and builds on the JePPIX Pilot Line
- Pre-employment knowledge security screening may be conducted in accordance with the National Knowledge Security Guidelines
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Graduates holding a master's degree in physics, materials science, or electrical engineering with a solid foundation in MOCVD or MOVPE crystal growth
- Researchers eager to combine experimental cleanroom work on advanced Aixtron reactors with statistical data modeling and yield learning
- Engineers motivated to work at the intersection of academic photonic research and commercial semiconductor foundry manufacturing
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires on-site presence in Eindhoven to operate physical epitaxy reactors and conduct laboratory characterization
- Subject to a mandatory intermediate formal performance assessment after nine months to secure the full four-year contract
- Includes a compulsory teaching component comprising 10% to 15% of working hours each year
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This doctoral position aligns directly with goals of building deep technical expertise in semiconductor manufacturing and integrated photonics. Situated within the Brainport Eindhoven ecosystem and connected with European foundry partners, the project prepares researchers for advanced R&D careers in the global photonics and microelectronics industries or ongoing tenure-track academic trajectories.
Our take
This role is ideal for master's graduates in materials science or semiconductor physics who want paid, hands-on doctoral research combining advanced epitaxy equipment with industrial-scale data analysis. It is less suitable for individuals seeking purely theoretical research or remote work arrangements.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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