PhD in Femtosecond optical approaches to magnetic topology on demand

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 the link between the physics of ultrafast optical manipulation, topological quests in magnetism, and applications for energy efficient computing? Join us as a PhD candidate to develop magnetic topology on demand!
Job Description Topologically-protected conductors of information are robust against perturbations that would normally scatter the information carriers, resulting in waste heat and reduction of energy efficiency. In addition to topological protection of electronic charge transport, such protection of propagating fluctuations of the magnetization – dubbed spin waves or magnons – has recently been gaining attention. This PhD project will focus on using femtosecond laser pulses to create (periodic) assemblies of nanosized chiral spin textures on demand. These tunable structures are predicted to host topological spin waves, and will provide a unique playground to experimentally explore their fascinating dynamics. This project consists of an experiment-theory collaboration in which a PhD candidate in Experimental Nano & Ultrafast Magnetism, supervised by Prof. Bert Koopmans, based at Eindhoven University of Technology, collaborates closely with a PhD candidate in Condensed-Matter Theory based at Utrecht University, supervised by Prof. Rembert Duine. In this project, we aim to develop an optical pen using laser-induced magnetization dynamics and switching to write topological magnetic periodic structures that consist for example of skyrmions, topological magnetic whirls in the magnetization. Along the edges of such structures, topologically-protected spin waves will propagate without scattering and loss of energy. Such structures could potentially be a novel building block for future computer chips and more sustainable IT technologies. Your research will be to design and fabricate magnetic thin films using the NanoAccess facility, contribute to the development of the ‘optical pen’ to write patterns of skyrmions, and explore their dynamics with a suite of state-of-the-art time and spatially resolved optical and electrical tools. Research will include femtosecond magneto-optical spectroscopies, as well as magnetic force- and scanning electron microscopy. You will collaborate closely with your theoretical partner in Utrecht, learning from theory to improve optical strategies and design next generation structures, striving together to understand the experimental outcomes, and as a team suggesting new directions for the research to explore. You will publish your findings in research articles and by giving talks and presenting posters at national and international research conferences. During the four-year period of the PhD position, you will grow into an independent researcher who can conduct research in a collaborative environment. Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in experimental physics with a preferred specialization in condensed matter / nanomaterials / magnetism, and/or light-matter interaction.
• A research-oriented attitude with excellent experimental skills.
• Interest ranging from fundamental physics to handling dedicated experimental set-ups and thin film engineering.
• Strong motivation to work in a team, combining good organization and communication skills.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

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 four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

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. 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.
Information Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager, prof.dr. B. Koopmans, b.koopmans@tue.nl. Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HRServices.apse@tue.nl. Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video. Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.
Application We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• 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.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

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: 1 | Full-time equivalent: 1.0 FTE | City: Eindhoven | County: Noord-Brabant | Country: Netherlands | Reference number: 2026/238 | Published: 2026-04-09 | Last application date: 2026-05-08