PhD in One-Way Transparent Liquid Crystal Polymer Films for Optical Interfaces

Introduction

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to develop next-generation one-way transparent optical films based on liquid crystal polymer technology. The position is embedded in the research group of Dr. Danqing Liu at Eindhoven University of Technology and is part of the project TactVision: The Liquid Crystal Polymer Invisibility Cloak.
Modern optical systems, including augmented reality glasses, visors, head-mounted displays, and smart optical interfaces, require materials that can guide light selectively: information should be visible to the user, while remaining hidden from outside observers. This project addresses this challenge by developing cholesteric liquid crystal polymer coatings that selectively reflect projected light toward the user while maintaining high transparency from the opposite side.
The PhD project will focus on the molecular design, formulation, fabrication, and optical optimization of one-way transparent films. You will work with reactive liquid crystal mesogens, chiral dopants, photo-alignment methods, and multilayer polymer architectures. The goal is to create thin, transparent, robust films that can selectively reflect red, green, and blue light in controlled directions, enabling privacy-preserving and stealth-compatible optical displays.

Job Description

You will:

• design and formulate cholesteric liquid crystal polymer systems for one-way transparency;
• fabricate thin optical coatings using photo-alignment, spin coating, blade coating, lamination, and photopolymerization;
• develop multilayer RGB-selective films with controlled pitch, handedness, bandwidth, and angular response;
• characterize liquid crystal phase behaviour, molecular alignment, pitch uniformity, and film morphology;
• optimize optical performance, including transparency, reflectance, haze, polarization selectivity, colour fidelity, and viewing-angle stability;
• collaborate with experts in optical characterization, modelling, device integration, and perception studies;
• translate material-level insights into design rules for scalable one-way transparent films;
• publish scientific papers and present results at international conferences. 

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in the areas below.
• We are looking for a candidate with a background in one or more of the following areas:
  • materials science;
  • chemical engineering;
  • polymer chemistry;
  • physical chemistry;
  • liquid crystals;
  • soft matter;
  • optics or photonics;
  • coating technology.
• Experience with liquid crystal materials, polymer networks, optical coatings, photopolymerization, microscopy, spectroscopy, thin-film processing, or cleanroom-based fabrication is an advantage. The ideal candidate enjoys hands-on experimental research, is precise in materials preparation, and is motivated to work at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and optics.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881 gross per month).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry bridges science and engineering to create sustainable solutions for society. By combining expertise in molecules, materials, and processes, we drive innovations that address global challenges in energy, circularity, health and future technology. Through world-class research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong industry partnerships, we educate engineers and scientists who turn scientific discoveries into technologies with lasting societal impact. Together, we create chemistry for a better world.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Danqing Liu, [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Eveline de Vetter, HR Advisor [email protected].

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.