PhD Position On-chip Photonic Neural Network

AI computing with light! Come join us to design and fabricate a unique photonic AI chip that can learn and perform tasks at light speed and high energy efficiency.

Job description

Photonic neural networks offer a promising route toward overcoming the energy and bandwidth limitations of conventional electronic AI hardware. By exploiting interference, parallelism, and the intrinsic speed of light, integrated photonics can execute matrix operations with unprecedented efficiency. This PhD project focuses on developing on-chip photonic neural network architectures that can be trained directly in hardware, eliminating the need for costly off-chip training and enabling scalable, adaptive systems.

You will work at the intersection of nanophotonics, machine learning, and hardware-software co-design to realize robust training mechanisms within programmable photonic circuits. The research combines theoretical modeling, chip design, experimental validation, and algorithm development, contributing to a new generation of sustainable, high-performance AI chips for real-world applications.

Your role

• Design and model photonic neural network architectures for on-chip implementation.
• Develop in-situ training strategies compatible with analog photonic hardware.
• Fabricate and experimentally characterize novel photonic AI chips.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams spanning nanophotonics and AI.
• Disseminate results through scientific publications, conference presentations, and patents.

What we offer

• A 4-year fully funded PhD position at TU Delft.
• The opportunity to lead a pioneering project at the intersection of nanophotonics and AI.
• Collaboration with international experts from diverse disciplines.
• Access to cutting-edge computational and experimental facilities.
• Supervision of MSc researchers.
• Mentorship and career development support.

This position is jointly embedded in the research groups of Dr. Sid Kumar and Dr. Richard Norte. This role involves working across two departments, with shared responsibilities and collaboration.

Job requirements

• Master’s degree in physics, applied physics, nanophotonics, computer science, artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering or related field.
• Experience in nanofabrication.
• Experience with machine learning for scientific applications.
• Experience with programming (e.g. Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Drive to tackle interdisciplinary challenges and communicate across fields.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

The faculty offers high-tech lab facilities and international reach, with opportunities to combine different disciplines in research and education.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.