Junior PhD Research Positions in Nanophotonics and Metasurfaces
Join the MSCA DN SPARK network for doctoral research in optical metasurfaces and spacetime beams at INESC MN.
Best for:Best for early-stage researchers with a master's degree in physics, optics, or electrical engineering seeking an EU-funded PhD fellowship.
Overview
INESC MN in Lisbon, Portugal, is hiring two junior PhD researchers for uncertain term employment contracts within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network project SPARK. The candidates will conduct cutting-edge research in either inverse-designed metasurfaces for ultrashort vector pulses or space-time beams for optical communications. Both positions involve collaborative secondments at international partner institutions and universities across Europe. Successful applicants are expected to pursue a PhD, participate in network training events, and contribute actively to multidisciplinary European research.
What you'll do
- Develop topology-optimized metasurfaces or space-time light beams for advanced optical applications
- Design and execute numerical simulations and inverse-design algorithms for polarization and nanophotonics
- Fabricate large-scale nanostructures using cleanroom micro- and nanofabrication facilities
- Complete funded research secondments at international academic and industrial partner institutions
- Participate in project workshops, training courses, and network-wide scientific conferences
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at international venues
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in physics, applied physics, optics or photonics, electrical engineering, materials science or engineering, or a closely related subject
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency required for working and publishing
Instruction: English
Publications: Scientific publications are encouraged and expected as part of the doctoral training outcomes
- Demonstrated academic background in physics, optics, photonics, or electrical engineering
- Proficiency in numerical methods or computational modeling for nanophotonics
- Experience with lasers, ultrafast optics, or nanofabrication techniques
- Strong capability to work independently and collaboratively in an international environment
- Available for full-time employment and scheduled secondments abroad
- Must not already hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment
- Must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: must not have resided or carried out main activity in Portugal for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to recruitment
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-14 (GMT)
Applications must be submitted via email to marco.piccardo@inesc-mn.pt with the reference MSCA DN SPARK clearly stated in the subject line. Candidates must provide a detailed curriculum vitae, a motivation letter, an official academic degree certificate, and reference contact details in PDF format.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic degree certificate
Contact
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