PhD Position Nanophotonics and Photonic Integrated Circuits

Small photonic circuits, big-resolution imaging!

Job description

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to work on the development of next-generation compact optical imaging systems based on integrated photonics. The project aims to enable high-resolution imaging and sensing in a highly miniaturized platform that overcomes the limitations of conventional large-scale microscopy techniques.

You will explore novel optical effects in nanophotonic structures to achieve both high imaging resolution and efficient light collection, with applications ranging from biological imaging and surface inspection to semiconductor metrology. The work combines fundamental physics with cutting-edge photonic device engineering and offers opportunities for collaboration in an international research environment.

Job requirements

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, electrical engineering, photonics, or a related field, with a strong interest in optics, nanofabrication, and experimental and computational research.

Other mandatory requirements

• MSc or equivalent in Physics or Engineering.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Critical thinking.

Not mandatory but considered plus

• Familiarity with photonics integrated circuits (design, simulation, testing).
• Nanofabrication, particularly nanofabrication of photonics integrated circuits.
• Familiarity with microscopy (theoretical and experimental are both valuable).
• Familiarity with quantum photonics.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

TU Delft offers an international research environment and delivers world-class results in education, research and innovation.

Faculty Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem with more than 1,100 employees, including 150 principal investigators, and about 3,600 students. Focusing on key enabling technologies such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, the faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century.

Its research spans Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract includes an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

If you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job, TU Delft is committed to making your move as smooth as possible. The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information to help you prepare your relocation and organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands and expand your social network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that you are able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel to help prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by candidates, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest.