Postdoc position in Photonic Integrated Circuit Temperature Compensation for PIC-based sensing applications

• • Vacancies • Postdoc position in Photonic Integrated Circuit Temperature Compensation for PIC-based sensing applicationsTo vacancy overviewApply now • • • • • ETPostDocPostdoc position in Photonic Integrated Circuit Temperature Compensation for PIC-based sensing applicationsAre you interested in working in the field of photonics for sensor systems in the framework of a large Dutch research program and in direct collaboration with an industrial partner?Apply now • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Mark Vlutters • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Anouk Bomers • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Mina Shahi • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Suzanne Hulscher • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Christopher Balfe • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Peter Chemweno • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Floriana Anselmucci • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Tjerkje Dijkstra • • • • • • • • Key takeaways • Hours 38 - 40 hr. • Salary indicationSalary gross/monthly based on full-time € 4,422 - € 5,760 • Deadline 1 Sep 2026 The Engineering Dynamics | Engineering Dynamics | Department MS3](https://www.utwente.nl/en/et/ms3/research-chairs/ed/)) group, Faculty of Engineering Technology at the University of Twente, The Netherlands has an opening for a postdoc candidate within the project “Scale-up PIC based sensing PhotonDelta FBG Sensing)”. The developments of photonics based systems have taken the technology to a next level in the past years. In particular photonics based sensing systems have made their way to applications. To further push the application of these systems, a number of steps need to be taken. One of these steps is the reduction of components, increasing the manufacturability and integration capability, while decreasing the cost price and not compromising the accuracy. For high-accuracy operation of a Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) based module, handling PIC Temperature dependency is key. Typically, operation and calibration at a steady temperature setting is used, implying the need for a PIC thermal control means (TEC) in operation. Alternatively, a software compensation is used, but can be computation/memory heavy considering nonlinearities in the thermal responses, which are also unit-specific, thus forming fundamental challenges. Physics-based models are too complex, while pure data driven models lack explainability, ultimately reducing the robustness. The proposed solution is the development of a Physics Informed Machine Learning method which exploits the advantages of physics-based and data-driven models, while mitigating the disadvantages. This research will contain experimental and modelling. The modelling focusses on identifying the key physical relations between the temperature and complex/compounded photonic circuitry, and the sources of variation of this relation. These variation range from uncertainties and heterogeneities in material properties, inaccuracies and variability occurring during the production and assembly phase of the photonic chips and so on. The experimental work will be done in close collaboration with the industrial partner PhotonFirst and aims to quantify model parameters and their variations as such providing data for the Physic-Informed Machine Learning model. Your profileThe successful applicant has a PhD degree and background in mechanical engineering or similar. Research experience on photonics and affinity with data-driven methods are a pre. Good spoken and written English and the ability to work in a team are mandatory.Our offerThe work in these projects will take place at the Dynamics based Maintenance group at the University of Twente, as well as at the premises of the companies involved. The UT provides a dynamic and international environment, excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus. We offer: • A temporary full time Postdoc position for 1 years (12 months) with a possible extension of 6 months if the conditional part of the project subsidy is released. • Interesting temporary research position in a dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high industrial relevance. • Gross salary between € 4.422,- and € 5.760,- per month depending on experience and qualifications; • Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a year-end bonus of 8.3% and a solid pension scheme. • You can make use of excellent facilities for professional and personal development and a training program. • You will receive good secondary conditions, in accordance with the collective labor agreement CAO-NU for Dutch universities. Information and application You can apply for this position before 1st of September, 2026 by clicking the ‘apply now’ button below. Please include: • CV (including contact information for at least two academic references) • An original motivation letter indicating your fit with this position and associated ambition. The first job interviews are planned for mid September. For more information on this position, please contact dr.ir. Richard Loendersloot, r.loendersloot@utwente.nl. Screening will be part of the selection procedure. Apply nowShare this vacancy • • • • About the organisation At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we work on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human-centred and technological solutions for societal challenges. We connect fundamental education, research and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources. We work on education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution-oriented way. Quality, connection and inclusivity are the foundation of our culture. In our open community, students, researchers and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners. This enables us to develop insights, applications and solutions that add value to society. Want to know moreLoendersloot, R. (Richard) Full ProfessorLoendersloot, R. (Richard) Full ProfessorDo you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Richard for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.ContactPhone:+31534894463Email:r.loendersloot@utwente.nl How to applyStep 1Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.Apply nowStep 2Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.Step 31st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.Step 42nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.Step 5The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening. Your Colleagues • Hulscher, S.J.M.H. (Suzanne)Personal page • Boogaard, A.H. van den (Ton)Personal page • Munnink, K.J.H. (Karen)Personal page About The Faculty ETCurious about what the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) stands for? Check out the ET website for more information.Go to the ET websiteA job that mattersCreate new opportunities for yourself, your colleagues and our society. Scientist or teacher, administrator or facilitator, thinker or doer, energetic leader or silent support – your work at the University of Twente matters. And you too!Stories from UT'ers • • • Our mission Human TouchAt the University of Twente, technology is all about people. We call this High Tech, Human Touch. This same belief is reflected in the way the Human Resources department operates. We believe that a strong organization starts with people who are given the space to grow, take initiative, and make a difference. That is why we are building a working environment in which everyone can thrive. • Our mission We are a university of technologyOur university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world. • Our mission We help to strengthen societyWe help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life. • Our mission We are sustainableWe want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.” Browse all jobs