Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Electrodynamics and Inverse Design of Time-varying

Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Electrodynamics and Inverse Design of Time-varying Metamaterials (ERC project TEMPORE)

(salary scale 13 TV-L “FwN”, 100 %)

Nestled in a modern city surrounded by nature and with an exceptional standard of living, Leibniz University Hannover offers excellent working conditions in a vibrant scientific community.

The Hannover Centre for Optical Technologies (HOT), the Cluster of Excellence PhoenixD, and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering welcome applications for the following position to be filled at the earliest possible date: Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Electrodynamics and Inverse Design of Time-varying Metamaterials (ERC project TEMPORE) (salary scale 13 TV-L “FwN”, 100 %)

The position is initially limited to 3 years, with the possibility of extension.

About the project

This position is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) under the Horizon Europe programme (ERC Consolidator Grant TEMPORE). This project pioneers the inverse design of time-varying metamaterials operating on picosecond to femtosecond timescales. You will contribute to redefining how light can be controlled in space and time for fully reprogrammable, multifunctional nanophotonic systems.

Your role

The postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in the design, architecture, and long-term development of the computational platform underlying the ERC TEMPORE project, working closely with and under the scientific direction of Prof. Antonio Calà Lesina. Responsibilities include the following tasks.

Algorithm Development:

• Coordinate and actively contribute to the development of time-domain inverse design frameworks with time as a fundamental design parameter (4D design in space and time).
• Design and oversee scalable, memory-efficient, high-performance implementations targeting distributed-memory (MPI) and accelerator-based (GPU) architectures, including scalability studies, performance profiling, and optimization of large-scale 3D and 4D simulations.
• Define and implement the software architecture of a modular, scalable, open-source inverse design framework, including parallelization strategy, memory layout, performance optimization, and long-term maintainability.
• Implement and extend large-scale computational electrodynamics solvers (FDTD and related methods) for dynamic and nonlinear materials.
• Model advanced materials such as transparent conductive oxides, nonlinear media, and other ultrafast tunable materials.

Collaboration & Dissemination:

• Lead methodological subprojects in close coordination with the PI.
• Coordinate and co-supervise doctoral researchers contributing to the shared computational framework.
• Possibility of working closely with experimental partners
• Publish high-impact research, present at international conferences, and enhance the scientific visibility of the group.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking highly motivated and creative researchers, who are excited to push the boundaries of computational photonics and have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research across physics, nanotechnology, advanced computing, materials science, and design.

Core qualifications:

• Completed university science degree in a relevant discipline is required.
• Strong programming skills (C/C++ required; Python or similar strongly preferred).
• Solid background in physics, photonics, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, or related fields.
• Experience with numerical methods for differential equations (e.g., FDTD, FEM, time-domain methods).
• Ability to work in a collaborative and international research environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in computational electromagnetics (e.g., FDTD, FEM), and not only using commercial software.
• Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing large scientific software projects beyond prototype-level implementations.
• Experience with high-performance computing and parallel programming (MPI, GPU, or similar).
• Experience in inverse design and optimization (e.g., adjoint methods, topology optimization).
• Proven record of independent research and publications in leading journals.
• Background in nonlinear and/or ultrafast optics (desirable).

Equal opportunities and diversity are core values at Leibniz University Hannover. Our goal is to tap into individual potential and open up possibilities. We therefore welcome applications from anyone interested in the position, irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

We strive towards a balanced and diverse workforce and a reduction in under-representation in accordance with the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz – NGG). We therefore also welcome applications from women for the above-mentioned position. Preference will be given to equally-qualified candidates with disabilities.

Why join us?

• Shape a new research direction: 4D inverse design of dynamic nanophotonic systems.
• Work at the interface of applied mathematics, computational physics, and nanophotonics.
• Access world-class research infrastructure within HOT and PhoenixD.
• Freedom to develop original mathematical and algorithmic contributions within an ERC-funded project.
• Strong support for career development, international networking, and scientific visibility.
• Family-friendly policies with flexible working arrangements. A part-time employment can be arranged on request.

Application procedure