PhD Position Superconducting Imaging Spectrometer for Submillimeter-Wave Cosmology

This PhD position focuses on the development of next-generation superconducting integral field units (IFUs) for terahertz astronomy.

As a PhD candidate, you will contribute to the development of next-generation superconducting integral field units (IFUs) for terahertz astronomy. The project is based on Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs) and aims to overcome a key technological challenge: scaling up the current single-spaxel DESHIMA 2.0 technology to a multi-pixel IFU consisting of 61 spatial pixels and approximately 3,000 to 15,000 MKIDs integrated on a single 4-inch wafer.

Your work will cover the full development cycle, including detector design, microfabrication, device characterization, and system integration. You will have access to world-class nanofabrication and characterization facilities, including the Kavli Nanolab, the Else Kooi Laboratory, and the cleanroom facilities at SRON.

The developed IFUs will be integrated into the TIFUUN instrument, a new superconducting imaging spectrometer for terahertz astronomy. Beyond laboratory development, you will actively participate in the commissioning and science verification of the TIFUUN system at the ASTE telescope in the Atacama Desert, Chile. This provides a unique opportunity to be involved in both cutting-edge detector technology and astronomical observations.

You will work closely with a postdoctoral researcher who will lead the detector measurements and telescope deployment activities. The project is embedded within the Experimental Astronomy group and involves intensive collaboration with researchers at SRON as well as international partners in Japan. Through these collaborations, you will become part of a multidisciplinary team spanning superconducting detector physics, instrumentation, and observational astronomy.

Job requirements

• Background in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Astronomy
• Experience with device fabrication in the clean room, preferably in one of the facilities mentioned in the job description
• Familiarity with the environment of the Atacama Desert

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means joining an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives.

We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

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 with an official go/no-go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years, assuming everything goes well and 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.

Will 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 and events to help you prepare your relocation, 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.

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 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.