Project Overview
About the Position
Optical Vortex Generation Using Twisted Bilayer Photonic Crystals.
The Lobet research team part of the NISM institute of the Science Faculty of the University of Namur (Belgium), is looking for a PhD candidate part of a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) doctoral network SPARK project on the topic of "Optical Vortex Generation Using Twisted Bilayer Photonic Crystals" to perform theoretical and numerical calculations, as well as experimental fabrication and characterization in the novel domain of "moiré optics", in collaboration with Prof. M. Piccardo (INESC MN) and Prof. Pol Van Dorpe (IMEC).
Research/Project Description
Moiré photonics is the emerging branch of photonics studying novel platforms made of two photonic crystals disoriented relative to each other, with a tunable rotation angle. They are directly inspired by twistronics, investigating the electronic properties of twisted 2D materials. Driven by the electronic-photonic analogy, twisted structures start appearing in photonics with similar extremely flat bands in their photonic band structure and consequently slow light properties. However, twistoptics is a nascent field, full of fundamental, numerical and technological challenges.
The project will explore the generation of optical vortices carrying orbital angular momentum from twisted photonic crystal structures. The goal is to design twisted photonic crystals to realize robust vortex radiation.
Secondments include 3 months at IMEC for nanofabrication exposure and 6 months at INESC MN (M. Piccardo) for structured-light characterization based on off-axis digital holography. By producing robust vortex beams via twisted photonic platforms, the doctoral candidate contributes to one of the research objectives of the doctoral network SPARK, which is to demonstrate metamaterial-enabled structured light generation through controlled angular momentum.
The SPARK network is coordinated by Humeyra Caglayan (TU/e EE) and brings together Nicolò Maccaferri (UMU), Iñigo Liberal (UPNA), Paloma Arroyo Huidobro (UAM), Marco Piccardo (INESC MN and Técnico Lisboa), Michaël Lobet (UNamur), Riccardo Sapienza (Imperial), and Ahmed H. Dorrah (TU/e AP). It will hire 15 PhD students that will work closely to advance spatiotemporal photonic technologies.
Research Environment
The Michaël Lobet's Research Team at UNamur, part of the NISM institute, has long-standing expertise in theoretical and numerical physics, especially in photonics. The direct work environment is composed of experienced researchers such as Prof. Michaël Lobet, Prof. Luc Henrard, Prof. Olivier Deparis and Prof. Alexandre Mayer. The candidate will benefit from the scientific network of the lab including several high-ranked universities. The lab members have access to state-of-the-art HPC Tier 2 facilities through the CECI consortium and supercomputer facilities of the regional Tier-1 (Zenobe). The PhD will join a dynamic team, composed of 2 post-docs, 5 PhD students and 2 masters.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Master's degree in fields of physics, astrophysics, applied Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Material Engineering or a closely related subject.
- You should not have a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
- You must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment (MSCA mobility rule).
- Strong skills in the English language.
- Expertise in photonics, numerical methods, and/or scientific computing/HPC or in nanofabrication/optical characterization are strong assets but not a requirement.
- Team player spirit, willing to collaborate with external institution colleagues, autonomy in work as well as transparency are looked for.
What We Offer
- Gross salary starting around €3,000/month, with potential for additional funding depending on family status (Mobility allowance around €700/month and family allowance around €650/month depending on family status).
- 36 months funded through the SPARK MSCA network, additional 12 months funded by UNamur to finish the 4 years thesis, with additional benefits for employees.
- 6-month research stay at INESC MN, Portugal and 3-month research at IMEC, Belgium.
- 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 European training network.
- Starting date foreseen between February 1st 2027 and May 1st 2027.
Application Requirements
- A curriculum vitae including publications and teaching experiences if any.
- A list of all master courses with corresponding ECTS and individual scores obtained.
- A personal letter (1-3 pages) introducing yourself, describing previous research fields and main research results if any, describing personal goals and how you fit in the application.
- Up to 3 persons of reference that could be contacted to assess the applicant's qualifications.
- All other information that might be relevant.
About University of Namur
The University of Namur is a university in Namur, Belgium, with roots in the Jesuit educational tradition. UNamur offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral study in fields including science, computing, medicine, law, economics and humanities. Its academic community combines teaching with research, supporting inquiry across disciplines and collaboration with external partners.
Official website: https://www.unamur.be
Application dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 15 November 2026 |
| Offer starting date | 1 February 2027 |
| Starting date range | 1 February 2027 – 1 May 2027 |
Contact
- Email: michael.lobet@unamur.be
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be sent to the contacts above or raised through the channel given on the official announcement page.
Application
Send complete application by email to michael.lobet@unamur.be no later than 15 November 2026.
Official Link
https://jobs.unamur.be/emploi.2026-09-11.2982479947
Important Notes
- This is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) doctoral network position.
- MSCA mobility rule applies: must not have resided in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment.
- 36 months funded through SPARK MSCA network, additional 12 months funded by UNamur for total 4-year thesis.
MSCA 2026 rates: doctoral candidates receive a living allowance of €4,010 per month plus a mobility allowance of €710 per month (€660 family top-up where eligible), adjusted by the national correction coefficient.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline: 15 November 2026. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents — early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for MSCA SPARK PhD Position in Numerical Photonics at University of Namur?
The application deadline is 15 November 2026. Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/Brussels time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/Brussels but gives no clock time.
Is MSCA SPARK PhD Position in Numerical Photonics at University of Namur fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. €3,000/month.
Who is eligible to apply for MSCA SPARK PhD Position in Numerical Photonics at University of Namur?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Belgium. Applications are assessed by University of Namur.
How do I apply for MSCA SPARK PhD Position in Numerical Photonics at University of Namur?
Applications for MSCA SPARK PhD Position in Numerical Photonics at University of Namur are submitted directly to University of Namur through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for MSCA SPARK PhD Position in Numerical Photonics at University of Namur?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Belgium are published by the provider.
What study level does MSCA SPARK PhD Position in Numerical Photonics at University of Namur offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
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