Eindhoven University of Technology has announced applications for a fully funded PhD position in integrated photonics and neuromorphic computing under its Department of Electrical Engineering. The opportunity is part of the European EIC Pathfinder-funded PHINDER project, which focuses on developing next-generation photonic neural networks for ultrafast and energy-efficient edge computing systems.

The PhD position is hosted within the Photonic Neural Network Lab of the Electro-Optics Communication (ECO) group, one of Europe’s leading research teams in optical communications, photonic integrated circuits, and quantum systems. The research will combine integrated photonics, nanowire devices, and neuromorphic computing to build hardware capable of processing optical data directly on-chip with extremely low power consumption.

Research Focus Areas

The selected PhD candidate will work on advanced research topics including:

• Photonic neural networks and neuromorphic computing

• Integrated photonics on III–V and InP platforms

• Optical coupling between nanowires and waveguides

• Reconfigurable photonic circuits and Mach–Zehnder interferometer meshes

• Ultrafast optical signal processing

• Experimental validation of photonic spiking neural networks

• Hybrid nanowire–waveguide integration

The project is part of a major European research collaboration coordinated by Luleå University of Technology and includes international partners from Spain, Italy, Sweden, and industry leader Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

What the Scholarship Covers

The PhD position offers a fully funded four-year employment contract with benefits under the Dutch Universities Collective Labour Agreement. The package includes:

• Monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881

• Annual holiday allowance and year-end bonus

• Pension scheme and parental leave benefits

• Access to world-class photonics laboratories and cleanroom facilities

• Research training and conference funding

• Immigration and relocation support for international researchers

• Access to sports facilities and campus services

Candidates will also spend part of their appointment contributing to teaching and academic activities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Master’s degree in photonics, applied physics, electrical engineering, or related fields

• Strong background in integrated photonics and electromagnetic simulation

• Experience with waveguide and coupler design

• Familiarity with photonic integrated circuits and cleanroom fabrication

• Knowledge of photonic or neuromorphic computing is highly preferred

• Experience with ultrafast optical measurements is an advantage

• Excellent English communication skills (minimum C1 level)

The university particularly values interdisciplinary collaboration skills and system-level thinking for photonic computing applications.

Why This Opportunity Matters

As AI workloads increasingly move toward edge computing systems, conventional semiconductor architectures are struggling with power and latency limitations. The PHINDER project aims to solve this challenge by developing neuromorphic photonic hardware capable of processing optical signals at picosecond timescales with extremely low energy use.

This PhD offers direct involvement in one of Europe’s emerging research areas combining photonics, AI hardware, and neuromorphic systems. It is particularly attractive for candidates aiming for careers in photonic computing, semiconductor R&D, optical AI systems, or next-generation communication technologies.

About TU Eindhoven

Eindhoven University of Technology is located in the Brainport Eindhoven region, one of Europe’s leading technology and semiconductor hubs. The university is internationally recognized for research in photonics, AI, semiconductors, and advanced engineering systems.

The ECO group at TU/e includes more than 100 researchers and has strong industrial collaborations and startup activity in the photonics sector.

Application Process

Applicants must submit an online application including:

• Motivation letter

• CV with publications and references

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates

• Contact details of three referees

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the TU Eindhoven PhD Position in Photonic Neural Networks and Neuromorphic Computing is 31 May 2026.

University: University of Agder
Location: Kristiansand (Campus Kristiansand)
Department: Global Development and Planning
Supervisor: Arnhild Leer-Helgesen
Deadline: 1 August 2026
Salary: NOK 550,800/year

Position Overview

University of Agder is offering 1–3 PhD Research Fellow positions in the Department of Global Development and Planning for a 3-year (or 4-year with teaching duties) doctoral programme.

The position is interdisciplinary and focuses on global development, planning, and critical social sciences.

Research Themes

Applicants must align their PhD project with at least one of the following themes:

1. Contested Energy Transitions

Focuses on:

• Low-carbon and renewable energy transitions

• Conflicts over land use, governance, and justice

• Power relations in energy infrastructure

• Community participation and democratic decision-making

• Environmental and social impacts of energy systems

2. Reimagining and Repoliticizing Planning

Focuses on:

• Planning as a political (not neutral) process

• Power structures in urban and regional planning

• Smart cities, sustainability, and digitalization as political constructs

• Role of media, art, and communication in planning

• Marginalized communities and counter-hegemonic practices

3. Challenges and Alternatives in a Polarized World

Focuses on:

• Inequality, climate crisis, conflict, and political polarization

• Gendered and intersectional impacts of crises

• Youth-driven social change in the Global South

• Human rights, democracy, and resistance strategies

• Alternative development pathways in crisis contexts

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should have:

• A Master’s degree (120 ECTS) in social sciences or related fields

• Minimum grade B average or equivalent

• Strong English language skills (written and spoken)

• A strong and original PhD project proposal

Applicants in final stages of their Master’s degree may also apply (degree must be completed within 4 weeks after deadline).

Desired Qualifications

• Research experience or academic publications

• Teaching experience at university level (preferred)

• Strong analytical skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

• High academic motivation and engagement

• Experience in research projects is an advantage

Personal Qualities

The university values candidates who are:

• Independent and organized

• Strong communicators

• Collaborative and open-minded

• Academically motivated and proactive

• Interested in teaching and academic development

Employment Conditions

• Full-time PhD position (3 years, extendable to 4 years with teaching duties)

• Located at Campus Kristiansand

• Salary: NOK 550,800 per year

• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund

• Inclusive and international working environment

• Opportunities for professional development

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Certificates and academic transcripts

• Master’s thesis

• CV and list of publications

• References

• Research project description (max 7 pages, including references)

• Other relevant academic work

Application Process

Applications must be submitted electronically via the university portal before:

Deadline: 1 August 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews, and reference checks may be conducted.

Contact

Head of Department: Arnhild Leer-Helgesen
Email: arnhild.leer-helgesen@uia.no

University: Technical University of Munich
Location: Munich
Department: Wissenschaftliches Personal / Professorship Big Geospatial Data Management
Supervisor: Martin Werner
Deadline: July 31, 2026

Position Overview

Technical University of Munich is offering a Research Associate position in the field of Contrastive Learning and GeoAI within the Professorship of Big Geospatial Data Management.

The project is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and focuses on advanced machine learning techniques for geospatial applications.

The position also provides the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree.

About the Research Group

The Professorship of Big Geospatial Data Management specializes in:

• Acquisition and analysis of geospatial data

• Distributed computing

• Machine learning

• Computer vision

• Image and text analysis

• High-performance computing

• Quantum algorithms

• Visualization of large-scale georeferenced datasets

The group supports computational thinking and data-driven Earth science research.

Research Project

The project focuses on:

• Hard negative sampling for contrastive representation learning

• Developing domain-aware sampling strategies using:

  • Spatial distance

  • Sensor metadata

  • Existing maps

• Investigating coreset selection methods for large geospatial datasets

Application areas include:

• Cross-view geo-localization

• Visual place recognition

• Aerial imagery analysis

• Street-view imagery

• LiDAR data processing

The research combines machine learning, geospatial intelligence, and computer vision techniques.

Responsibilities

The selected candidate will:

• Conduct research related to the project themes

• Develop innovative solutions proactively

• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and conferences

• Present research at scientific events

• Contribute to broader GeoAI and machine learning research activities

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should have:

• A completed Master’s degree in:

  • Computer Science

  • Mathematics

  • Physics

  • Geoinformatics

  • Data Science

  • Related disciplines

Required skills:

• Strong background in machine learning

• Excellent programming skills in:

  • Python

  • C++

  • Related technologies

• Ability to work independently

• Strong willingness to learn new techniques

• Fluent English communication skills

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with:

  • Contrastive learning

  • Computer vision

  • Geospatial datasets

  • GeoAI research

• German language skills are considered an advantage.

Employment Benefits

The position offers:

• Full-time employment (100%)

• TV-L E13 salary scale

• Three-year contract

• Opportunity to pursue a PhD degree

• Access to modern research infrastructure

• International research environment

• Collaboration opportunities with industry and research institutes in Munich’s “Space Valley” ecosystem

Application Documents

Applicants should submit:

• Motivation letter

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Degree certificates and academic transcripts

• Employment certificates

• Other relevant supporting documents

All documents should be combined into a single PDF file.

Application Process

Applications should be sent via email to:

• applications.bgd@ed.tum.de

Applications must be submitted no later than 1 August 2026.

Expected starting period: September to November 2026

Equal Opportunity

Technical University of Munich encourages applications from women and gives preference to candidates with disabilities when qualifications are equivalent.

Contact Information

Professorship Big Geospatial Data Management
Technical University of Munich
Supervisor: Martin Werner
Location: Ottobrunn, Germany
Email: applications.bgd@ed.tum.de

University: Technical University of Munich
Location: Munich
Department: Wissenschaftliches Personal / TUM School of Life Sciences
Supervisor: Christina Ludwig
Deadline: June 29, 2026

Position Overview

Technical University of Munich is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity within the Elite Network Bavaria-funded graduate college “The Proteomes that Feed the World.”

The doctoral project focuses on uncovering defense-associated peptides in crop species using advanced proteomics, bioinformatics, and plant biology approaches.

The research will be conducted at the Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry (BayBioMS).

About the Graduate College

“The Proteomes that Feed the World” is an interdisciplinary doctoral program aimed at understanding crop proteomes and improving global food sustainability.

Main objectives include:

• Training future leaders in science, industry, and society

• Building expertise in:

  • Proteomics

  • Plant science

  • Bioinformatics

  • Project management

  • Scientific communication

• Developing a proteome atlas of the 100 most important crop plants for human nutrition

The program includes collaborations with international academic and industry partners.

Research Project

The PhD project investigates bioactive peptides involved in plant defense mechanisms.

Research topics include:

• Plant responses to:

  • Pathogen attacks

  • Heat stress

  • Water limitation

• Discovery and characterization of plant peptides using:

  • Mass spectrometry-based proteomics

  • Omics technologies

  • Bioinformatics workflows

• Expansion of peptide studies from:

  • Arabidopsis thaliana
    to agriculturally important crops

The project aims to improve understanding of plant resilience and contribute to future crop improvement strategies.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should have:

• An internationally recognized MSc degree in:

  • Plant Biology

  • Analytical Chemistry

  • Biochemistry

  • Omics-related fields

  • Related life science disciplines

Essential skills:

• Understanding of biological and biochemical concepts

• Experience with proteomics or omics experiments

• Interest in mass spectrometry technologies

Desirable skills:

• Data mining and integration

• Statistical analysis using:

  • R

  • Python

Additional qualities:

• Self-motivation

• Responsibility and flexibility

• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams

• Strong English communication and presentation skills

The program aims to recruit candidates typically from the top 10% of their academic cohort.

What the University Offers

Successful candidates will receive:

• A 4-year PhD position (October 2026 – September 2030)

• Salary according to German TV-L E13 scale

• Access to state-of-the-art proteomics infrastructure

• Interdisciplinary research environment

• Collaboration with life scientists and bioinformaticians

• Excellent academic and career development opportunities

Equal Opportunity

Technical University of Munich strongly encourages applications from women and supports equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Motivation letter (maximum one page)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Degree certificates and academic transcripts

• Names and email addresses of two referees

All documents should be merged into a single PDF file.

Application Process

Applications should be sent via email to:

• Christina Ludwig

• Email: tina.ludwig@tum.de

Shortlisted candidates will first attend online interviews, followed by in-person interviews in Freising.

Expected start date: 1 October 2026

Additional Information

The project is hosted within the TUM School of Life Sciences and the Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry (BayBioMS), providing access to cutting-edge proteomics technologies and international research collaborations.

University: Leiden University
Location: Leiden & Seville
Department: Environmental Policy / Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML)
Supervisor: Arnold Tukker
Deadline: June 18, 2026

Position Overview

Leiden University and the European Commission Joint Research Centre are offering a Joint Doctorate PhD position focused on integrated circular economy modelling.

The project investigates how circular economy transitions impact wellbeing, sustainability, wealth creation, inclusion, and distributional effects through advanced bottom-up and top-down modelling approaches.

The PhD forms part of the ACT! project — a large six-year Dutch National Science Agenda initiative involving over 20 partners studying circular economy transitions.

Research Focus

The project combines industrial ecology, economic modelling, and sustainability science to develop integrated modelling tools for circular economy policy support.

Key research activities include:

• Building detailed bottom-up stock and material flow datasets using:

  • Material Flow Analysis (MFA)

  • Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

• Linking physical datasets with:

  • Economic input-output tables

  • Dynamic top-down models

  • Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models

• Modelling:

  • Asset ownership changes

  • Distributional effects

  • Circular innovation diffusion

  • Value-capturing potential

• Developing integrated micro–macro modelling suites for policy analysis

• Creating circular economy transition scenarios and pathways

The project involves collaboration with researchers from:

• Wageningen University & Research

• Tilburg University

• TNO

• Planbureau voor de Leefomgeving

• International Monetary Fund

Research Environment

The candidate will be hosted by the Department of Industrial Ecology at Leiden’s Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML).

The PhD trajectory is structured as follows:

• Months 1–3: Leiden University

• Months 4–28: EU DG Joint Research Centre in Seville

• Months 28–48: Leiden University

The project is embedded in an international interdisciplinary network combining:

• Sustainability science

• Environmental economics

• Industrial ecology

• Systems innovation

• Dynamic modelling

• Circular economy policy research

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should have:

• A completed research Master’s degree in:

  • Industrial Ecology

  • Ecological Economics

  • Econometrics

  • Environmental Sciences

  • Related quantitative disciplines

• Strong quantitative modelling and data analysis skills

• Interest or experience in:

  • Sustainability research

  • Input-output modelling

  • Dynamic modelling

  • Material flow analysis

  • Life cycle assessment

  • Trade and economic datasets

  • Data harmonisation

  • Programming

• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams

• Strong English proficiency

Additional advantages:

• Dutch language proficiency

• Interest in European sustainability policy

• Willingness to spend two years in Seville and two years in Leiden

Salary & Benefits

Leiden University Period

The PhD candidate will receive:

• Salary ranging from €3,059 gross/month in Year 1 to €3,881 gross/month in Year 4

• 8% holiday allowance

• 8.3% end-of-year bonus

• Pension scheme through ABP

• Hybrid working options

• Home-working allowance

• Laptop and home-office support

• Access to graduate school training programs

EU DG JRC Period

During the two years at the Joint Research Centre:

• JRC Grantholder contract (Category 20)

• Indicative gross annual salary of approximately €46,000

• International research environment within EU institutions

Selection Criteria

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Excellent analytical and modelling skills

• Strong programming abilities

• Collaborative mindset

• Interest in transition and systems innovation research

• Commitment to sustainability and circular economy research

• Ability to work across academic and policy-oriented environments

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online through the official recruitment system.

Required documents include:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages)

• Names and contact details of at least two referees

Applications submitted via email will not be considered.

Interview Timeline

• Application deadline: 19 June 2026 at 23:59

• First interview round: 25 June 2026

• Additional interview rounds will include selection by the JRC

Contact Information

For further information, applicants may contact:

• Arnold Tukker

• Rutger Hoekstra