PhD Photoadressable Quantum Photonics

What you will do

You will be part of a multidisciplinary research effort at the interface of integrated photonics, quantum optics, and functional polymer materials. The project brings together expertise in nanophotonics, quantum optics, polymer chemistry, and optical design through collaborations with academic and industrial partners across the Netherlands. You will work closely with researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology who are developing the photoaddressable polymers for integration into low-loss and reconfigurable photonic circuits.

• Design and characterize hybrid silicon nitride–polymer photonic circuits.
• Investigate photoaddressable birefringent polymer platforms for rewritable and programmable photonic devices.
• Perform optical and quantum optical experiments on integrated photonic components, including Mach–Zehnder interferometers, resonators, and programmable optical filters.
• Investigate low‑loss and reconfigurable photonic architectures for applications in quantum photonics and optical sensing.
• Explore quantum interference phenomena such as Hong–Ou–Mandel interference to evaluate the performance of reconfigurable quantum photonic components.
• Collaborate with researchers from physics, chemistry, and engineering backgrounds within a multidisciplinary academic and industrial network.

The Leiden Institute for Research in Physics (LION) is one of the oldest physics institutes in the Netherlands, with more than 180 staff members and approximately 30 senior scientists. Our research spans a wide range of topics, from cosmology to quantum physics and from economic networks to the physics behind DNA. There is extensive collaboration with other disciplines both within and beyond the university, as well as with industry partners.

Curiosity is what unites everyone within the institute. Together, we push the boundaries of knowledge, provide inspiring education, and connect science with society.

In this team, we are looking for someone who enjoys working at the interface of photonics, quantum optics, and advanced materials. Every job is different, so in the beginning we will devote attention to your onboarding. If some of the work activities are new to you, we will look together at what you need, and draw up a development plan. This position is a good fit for you if you recognise yourself in the following:

• You have, or will shortly acquire, a master’s degree in physics, applied physics, nanoscience, or a closely related discipline.
• You are interested in integrated photonics, quantum optics, or optical materials.
• You are an experimentalist with experience in or affinity for optical measurements, nanofabrication, or photonic device characterization.
• You combine strong experimental skills with an interest in theoretical modelling and numerical simulation.
• Experience with integrated photonics, cleanroom fabrication, quantum optics, or electromagnetic simulation tools is an advantage.
• You are enthusiastic and highly motivated.
• You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.
• You have a good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.

Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.

• We offer a full-time 1‑year term position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended by a further three years. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities.
• A starting salary of €3,059.00 based on a full‑time appointment (38 hours); in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, pay scale P0.
• A holiday allowance (8 %), an end‑of‑year bonus (8.3 %), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP.
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home‑to‑work travel.
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are…