PhD in Numerical Photonics Temporal Metamaterial Absorbers SPARK MSCA in Université de Namur – Belgium

Summary

The Université de Namur in Belgium is offering a PhD position in numerical photonics as part of the SPARK Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) doctoral network. The project focuses on Perfect Broadband Temporal Metamaterial Absorbers, involving theoretical and numerical calculations, experimental fabrication, and characterization in time-varying photonics. The role includes secondments at JCMWave (Germany) for industry exposure and TU e (Netherlands) for nanofabrication. The position is full-time, temporary for 36 months with an additional 12 months funded by UNamur, and offers a gross salary of approximately 3000€ per month, plus mobility and family allowances. Applicants must hold a Master's degree in relevant fields, not have a doctoral degree, and meet the MSCA mobility rule. The application deadline is November 15, 2026, with a foreseen start date between February 1 and May 1, 2027.

Key Facts

Department	Physics Department, Sciences Faculty, NISM institute
Position Type	PhD Positions
Discipline	Engineering, Physics, Technology, Computer science, Mathematics
Research Area	Computer engineering, Electrical engineering, Materials engineering, Simulation engineering, Applied physics, Computational physics, Condensed matter properties, Electromagnetism, Optics, Quantum mechanics, Relativity, Solid state physics, Statistical physics, Surface physics, Thermodynamics, Materials technology, Micro-technology, Nanotechnology, Optronics, Quantum technology
Degree Required	Master Degree or equivalent
Salary	Gross salary starting around 3000€ month with potential for additional funding depending on your family status Mobility allowance around 700€ month and family allowance around 650€ month depending on the family status
Funding	Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) doctoral network SPARK project, Horizon Europe – MSCA Reference Number 101310184 — SPARK Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101310184
Contract Duration	36 months funded through the SPARK MSCA network, additional 12 months funded by UNamur
Language	English, French
Deadline	2026-11-15
Required Documents	Curriculum vitae including publications and teaching experiences if any, List of all master courses with corresponding ECTS and individual scores obtained, Personal letter (1-3 pages) introducing yourself, describing previous research fields and main research results, and personal goals, Up to 3 persons of reference that could be contacted, All other information that might be relevant

About the Project

The research project aims to realize perfect broadband absorbers using time-varying metamaterials. This involves modeling homogeneous lossy time-varying media and utilizing machine-learning optimization to achieve broadband absorption. The doctoral candidate will contribute to the SPARK doctoral network's objective of producing perfect broadband temporal metamaterial absorbers. The project includes secondments for industry exposure at JCMWave (3 months) and for nanofabrication and characterization at TU e (6 months). Over the course of the thesis, the candidate will develop skills in theoretical modeling and simulation of twisted photonic crystals, nanofabrication of photonic structures, and gain industry contact.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform theoretical and numerical calculations
• Perform experimental fabrication
• Perform characterization in the novel domain of time-varying photonics
• Contribute to the realization of perfect broadband absorbers through time-varying metamaterials
• Model homogeneous lossy time-varying media
• Use machine-learning optimization to reach broadband absorption
• Develop skills in theoretical modelling and simulation of twisted photonic crystals
• Develop skills in nanofabrication of photonic structures
• Engage in contact with industry through secondments
• Share expertise with the SPARK doctoral network consortium

Required Skills

• Strong skills in the English language
• Expertise in photonics (strong asset)
• Expertise in numerical methods (strong asset)
• Expertise in scientific computing (HPC) (strong asset)
• Expertise in nanofabrication (strong asset)
• Expertise in optical characterization (strong asset)
• Team player spirit
• Willingness to collaborate with external institution colleagues
• Autonomy in work
• Transparency

Who Should Apply

This PhD position is suitable for candidates with a Master's degree in physics, astrophysics, applied physics, optics, electrical engineering, material engineering, or closely related subjects. Applicants should not hold a doctoral degree and must comply with the MSCA mobility rule, meaning they should not have resided or carried out their main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to recruitment. Strong English language skills are required, and expertise in photonics, numerical methods, scientific computing (HPC), nanofabrication, or optical characterization is considered a strong asset. The ideal candidate is a team player, autonomous, transparent, and willing to collaborate with external institutions.

Benefits

• Gross salary starting around 3000€ per month
• Potential for additional funding depending on family status
• Mobility allowance around 700€ per month
• Family allowance around 650€ per month depending on family status
• 36 months of funding through the SPARK MSCA network
• Additional 12 months of funding by UNamur to finish the 4-year thesis with additional employee benefits
• 6-month research stay at TU e, The Netherlands
• 3-month research stay at JCMWave, Germany
• Training program including research-specific and transferable skills courses
• Active participation in workshops, conferences, and network-wide events
• Stimulating multidisciplinary and international research environment within a prestigious European training network

About the Employer

The Lobet research team is part of the NISM institute within the Science Faculty of the University of Namur, Belgium. The team has extensive expertise in theoretical and numerical physics, particularly in photonics. The direct work environment includes experienced researchers such as Prof. Michaël Lobet, Prof. Luc Henrard, Prof. Olivier Deparis, and Prof. Alexandre Mayer. The lab has access to state-of-the-art HPC Tier 2 facilities through the CECI consortium, including fast CPUs and GPU accelerators, and supercomputer facilities of the regional Tier-1 Zenobe. The University of Namur was awarded the HR Excellence in Research label in 2013, confirming its alignment with the European Charter for Researchers and a code of conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. Namur is the capital city of the French-speaking part of Belgium, located 60 km south of Brussels. The PhD candidate will join a dynamic team of 2 post-docs, 5 PhD students, and 2 master students, with a focus on member well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the research topic of this PhD position?

The research topic is Perfect Broadband Temporal Metamaterial Absorbers, focusing on theoretical and numerical calculations, experimental fabrication, and characterization in time-varying photonics.

What are the main funding sources for this PhD position?

The position is funded through the EU Research Framework Programme Horizon Europe – MSCA, specifically the SPARK Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101310184, with an additional 12 months funded by UNamur.

What are the eligibility criteria for applicants?

Applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields, not have a doctoral degree, and must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before recruitment.

What is the expected salary and additional allowances?

The gross salary starts around 3000€ per month, with potential for additional funding based on family status. There is also a mobility allowance of approximately 700€ per month and a family allowance of around 650€ per month, depending on family status.

Are there any mandatory research stays or secondments?

Yes, the position includes a 3-month secondment at JCMWave in Germany for industry exposure and a 6-month secondment at TU e in The Netherlands for nanofabrication and characterization.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants need to submit a curriculum vitae, a list of master courses with ECTS and scores, a personal letter (1-3 pages), and contact information for up to 3 references.