Photonic integrated circuits are emerging as a key technology for future communication, sensing, and quantum computing systems. Current reconfigurable photonic platforms mostly rely on thermal tuning of optical waveguides, which requires continuous power consumption and limits scalability and energy efficiency. Developing low-power, stable, and programmable photonic hardware therefore represents an important challenge for next-generation photonic technologies.
In this research, you will explore a new class of photoaddressable and birefringent polymer materials that enable permanent, light-written reconfiguration of photonic circuits. By integrating these materials with low-loss silicon nitride waveguides, you will develop reconfigurable photonic devices for applications in quantum photonics, optical filtering, and photonic sensing. Particular emphasis will be placed on programmable Mach–Zehnder interferometers, reconfigurable optical filters, and low-loss quantum photonic circuits operating at telecommunications wavelengths. The project combines nanofabrication, optical experiments, materials science, and photonic circuit design to create energy-efficient and highly adaptable photonic technologies.
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.
You will:
Where you will work
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.
What you bring
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.
If you immediately recognize yourself in this profile, or if you do not quite meet all the requirements, but you believe that this is the right job for you, we look forward to your application!
What we offer
What we value
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We strive to be an open community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to fully develop themselves. We consider an inclusive academic environment, where students and staff can share their experiences and viewpoints, to be essential for the development of talent.
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Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this.
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