PhD: High-resolution DUV microscopy for chiral light-matter interactions

This PhD project focuses on developing a high-resolution deep-UV (DUV) microscope at the absolute limits of spatial resolution and sensitivity, and using it to explore chiral light–matter interactions at the nanoscale in collaboration with partners at ETH Zurich.

Your function

We are looking for a highly motivated student to develop a high-resolution DUV microscopy for applications in the context of chiral light-matter interactions at the nanoscale as part of our team at the VU Amsterdam. Your project combines concepts from optical design, holographic imaging, computational imaging with DUV spectroscopy and nanophotonics at the absolute limits of spatial resolution and sensitivity.

We have a clear yet ambitious goal: To develop the most sophisticated and versatile DUV imaging system worldwide and then use it to uncover fundamental principles governing chiral light-matter interactions, from tailored nanomaterials to biological systems.

Achieving this goal will be challenging yet highly rewarding. To make it happen, we will be working in close collaboration with the Nanophotonics Systems Lab (Prof. Romain Quidant, ETH Zürich). In person meetings and knowledge exchange between all partners will be a crucial factor for success.

Your tasks in the project will revolve around designing and building a DUV microscope with a strong focus on the optical hardware implementation and computational enhancement. Once operational, you will focus on high-resolution imaging and nanoscopy.

Your duties

• Develop and optimise a DUV microscope at the absolute limit of spatial resolution
• Devise computational strategies to ensure diffraction-limited performance
• Dive into hybrid computational/traditional imaging systems and optical design
• Push measurement accuracies, sensitivities and resolution to the absolute limit
• Jointly implement a hyperspectral DUV microscope with other team members
• Attend regular in-person meetings at VU as well as ETH Zurich
• Be available for medium-duration (weeks) secondments at ETH Zurich to ensure knowledge transfer
• Write and defend your PhD thesis

Your profile

You should be excited about experimental science and hold a master’s degree in chemistry, physics or engineering with an outstanding track record. Proficiency in English (written and oral) are required. Previous experience in microscopy, nanophotonics, optical design or computational imaging is desired but not a must. Finally, the ability to independently and creatively work in a diverse interdisciplinary environment is essential.

You will be a crucial partner in the DUV-team. As such, clear communication skills and a team-player attitude are crucial requirements. Due to the strong integration of all partners, you need to be able to attend regular in-person meetings at ETH Zurich (Switzerland) or other locations within Europe. Secondments are part of the project where you will spend one or multiple weeks working jointly with partners at ETH Zurich or at the VU.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable.

About us

Our team

We develop next generation optical imaging and sensing platforms in the context of future biomedical, pharmaceutical and clinical applications. We are particularly interested in label-free or digital approaches: low-cost key-enablers for democratizing state-of-the-art healthcare globally. We realise this vision by combining fundamental research with systematic platform and assay development. Sometimes, we meet our target by simplifying and adopting existing technologies. On many occasions, however, we start from a curiosity-driven hypothesis where applicability is a long term high-gain objective. To realise our vision, we combine an interdisciplinary toolbox ranging from molecular biology over ultrafast optics to digital holography with the key-ingredient being creativity and room for personal development.

Faculty of Science

Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.