Job description
The XUV Optics groups at the University of Twente is internationally recognised for its work on the physical understanding and development of ultra-thin single and multilayer optical systems for X-ray and EUV applications. The group operates in a strong research environment, supported by advanced infrastructure for thin film deposition and state-of-the-art analysis facilities.
As Full Professor (Chair), you will define and drive a forward-looking scientific agenda in XUV/EUV optics and metrology, light- and plasma-matter interaction, surface science or closely related fields. You will strengthen the scientific foundations of the group, expand its international visibility, and develop new research directions and collaborations that build on, but are not limited to, existing strengths and partnerships in academia and industry.
You will build and lead an externally funded research programme and contribute to the international research community through scientific leadership. You will actively acquire competitive funding and position the chair within national and international research programs.
You contribute to the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs of the Faculty of Science and Technology and supervise thesis projects and PhD researchers. Together with colleagues, you help shape a coherent and future-oriented educational portfolio in the field of semiconductor equipment and high-tech materials, including educational collaborations and lifelong learning initiatives.
As a chair holder and group leader, you foster an open, supportive, safe and inclusive working environment. You value open communication, support sustainable talent development, and create space for diverse perspectives and career paths within your team.
We particularly encourage applications from candidates who bring diverse perspectives and experiences, and from those who may not yet meet all criteria but are motivated to further develop themselves in this role.
Your profile
- You hold a PhD in a relevant field and have an internationally recognized research profile in XUV/EUV optics and metrology, light- and plasma-matter interaction, surface science or a closely related area.
- You collaborate effectively with academic, industrial and public partners at national and international level, while maintaining a strong independent academic research agenda.
- You are experienced in building and maintaining long-term strategic collaborations with companies, knowledge institutions and public–private consortia at national and international level.
- You bring a clear scientific vision and the ability to set and lead a forward-looking research agenda as chair holder.
- You have a strong track record in supervising and mentoring BSc/MSc/PhD candidates and postdocs, and in developing academic talent towards independence.
You contribute to innovative, high-quality education at BSc/MSc/PhD level and have a clear educational vision.
- You have demonstrated success in acquiring competitive research funding and building sustainable research lines.
- You foster an open, inclusive and learning-oriented working environment, with attention to collaboration, well-being and sustainable talent development.
Our offer
- We offer you a full-time position for one year, with the prospect of a permanent contract.
- The salary is a minimum of €7.202,- and a maximum of € 10.441,- gross per month for full-time employment (in accordance with scale H2 Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities). The classification depends on your education and experience
- We offer training aimed at further developing your leadership skills in accordance with our leadership framework;
- The employment conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities;
- An excellent package of secondary employment conditions, including a good pension, holiday pay, and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%;
- Free access to the sports facilities on campus;
- At least 232 holiday hours with full-time employment;
- Relocation allowance for moving to Enschede (conditions apply);
- A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
Information and application
Are you interested in this position? Then apply before 8 March 2026 via the 'Apply' button below and add your CV and motivation letter.
For more information about this position, please contact Jeroen Cornelissen - j.j.l.m.cornelissen@utwente.nl or HR related questions you can contact Nicolette Beumer – n.g.beumer@utwente.nl
As part of the selection process, candidates are invited to deliver a presentation to the Appointment Advisory Committee. This is followed by an open or closed colloquium, offering an excellent opportunity to present your research, vision, and ambitions. The programme also includes engaging meetings with members of the NEM department and colleagues from the XUV group.
The interviews will take place on Tuesday 7 and/or Wednesday 8 April 2026.
The selection programme will take place over two days and includes meetings with colleagues and stakeholders.
Screening will be part of the procedure.
About the department
The Faculty of Science & Technology (S&T) at the University of Twente (UT) offers a vibrant, multidisciplinary environment for higher education and cutting-edge research at the crossroads of applied physics, chemical science and engineering, biomedical engineering, and technical medicine. The faculty’s research activities are closely aligned with the university’s key impact domains: Chip Technology, Climate, Health, and Safety & Security.
The University of Twente is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusivity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability.
Within the impact domain of Chip Technology, the Faculty of S&T and the renowned MESA+ Institute make a strong joint contribution, supported by the state-of-the-art infrastructure of the Nanolab. These research activities are closely connected to the Dutch Top Sector High Tech Systems & Materials and are embedded within the National Technology Strategy (NTS). The Nano Electronic Materials (NEM) department is one of the largest within S&T, comprising 10 full professors, 15 assistant and associate professors, dedicated support staff, and a large community of PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers.
The research group of the XUV chair collaborates extensively with other departments within the faculty and with leading research institutes in the Netherlands, particularly ARCNL, while also playing an active role in the MESA+ Institute. The group is strongly involved in the national education reinforcement initiative for the semiconductor sector, known as Beethoven. This initiative encompasses both research and education, including the development of a new Master’s specialization program (potentially in collaboration with other faculties such as ET and EEMCS, as well as Saxion) and lifelong learning programs in partnership with industrial stakeholders. In this role, you will build on our existing intensive collaborations with leading industrial partners. You will help strengthen these relationships and develop new opportunities for joint research, valorization, and impact.
About the organisation
The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
