Postdoc In Atomic-Scale Processing for Future Chips and Energy

The Department of Applied Physics and Science Education is a research-driven department housing high-quality educational programs, all featuring strong connections between research and education. Our research is clustered in three focal areas: Fluids, Bio and Soft Matter (FBSM); Plasmas and Beams (PB); and Nano, Quantum and Photonics (NQP). Our shared ambition is to equip the next generation of ‘engineers of the future’ with the knowledge and the skills they will need to impact science, innovation, and society, from regional to global scales.

Introduction

Are you fascinated by atomic-scale control of materials for future semiconductor and energy technologies? We are looking for three ambitious postdocs to work on advanced atomic layer processing spanning photonics, AI-driven ALD, and energy materials.

Job Description

Within the Plasma & Materials Processing group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), you will join a growing research effort in Atomic Scale Processing for future chips and energy. The central challenge is to design and control materials at the atomic scale to enable next-generation devices with unprecedented performance, efficiency, and functionality.

You will contribute to one of four complementary research directions:

• ALD for photonic integration: Development of functional dielectric coatings for III–V nanophotonic structures, targeting improved optical confinement, passivation, and loss control in nanoscale photonic devices. In this project, you will be embedded in the PhotonDelta NGF program.
• Agentic AI for ALD: Develop AI-assisted experimental workflows for oxide semiconductor deposition, aiming to accelerate process optimization and unravel new process–property relationships, and contributing to an EU Horizon project on agentic AI research assistance.
• ALD for next-generation energy storage technologies: Design and engineer thin films and interfaces of interest in next-generation lithium- and sodium-ion batteries, and green electricity-driven electrolyzers, in collaboration with Dutch academic and industrial partners. .

All projects are united by a common philosophy: precise atomic-scale control of materials to enable future technologies in electronics, photonics, and energy storage.

You will work in a highly collaborative environment within the Plasma & Materials Processing group, embedded in TU/e’s strong semiconductor and nanomaterials ecosystem. You are expected to contribute to scientific output, supervise PhD and MSc students, and actively collaborate with academic and industrial partners.

This role offers the opportunity to shape emerging research directions at the intersection of materials science, device physics, and data-driven experimentation.

Job Requirements

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in (applied) physics, materials science, electrical engineering, chemistry, or a comparable domain.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• Strong background in thin film deposition (ALD, CVD, PVD) and/or semiconductor processing, and AI/ML experience specifically for the AI/ML position
• Demonstrated ability to perform high-quality, independent research
• Experience with at least one relevant domain: photonics, energy materials, or data-driven/AI methods
• A team player who enjoys coaching PhD and Master's students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
• A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership skills.

Conditions of Employment

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.

In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10, ranging from € 4,422 (step 4) to € 5,760 gross base salary per month (full-time).
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) and a compensation for moving expenses.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Bart Macco, assistant professor, b.macco@tue.nl or +31 40 247 6111.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Erwin Kessels, full professor, w.m.m.kessels@tue.nl, or +31 40 247 3477.

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

#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named EOSC Alssistant, with project number RT205754, within program H2020.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position. Include a brief description of your experience in one or more of the following: ALD, semiconductor processing, thin film deposition, AI/ML
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• List of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Type of employment: temporary position | Contract type: full time | Number of positions: 3 | Full-time equivalent: 1.0 FTE | City: Eindhoven | County: Noord-Brabant | Country: Netherlands | Reference number: 2026/575 | Published: 2026-09-11 | Last application date: 2026-10-11