PhD Position: High resolution Transmission Electron Imaging in Scanning Electron Microscopy

PhD Position Projection System for TE Imaging in Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
PhD Position: High resolution Transmission Electron Imaging in Scanning Electron Microscopy

• TU Delft in Delft, the Netherlands.
• Hours per week: 36-40.
• Faculty/Department: Faculty of Applied Sciences.

Job description

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is one of the most widely used imaging tools in nanoscience, materials research, semiconductor manufacturing, and the life sciences. Despite its wide applications and accessibility, the highest spatial resolution is still obtained through transmission electron (TE) imaging, which can only be done through a large, expensive, and highly specialized (Scanning) Transmission Electron Microscopes ((S)TEM). The aim of this project is to "democratize" this imaging technique by bringing transformative TE techniques, including electron diffraction, low-energy STEM, and phase-contrast imaging, to compact, affordable, and widely accessible SEM platforms. As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you will work closely with our industrial partner Delmic, a world-leading company in correlative and multimodal microscopy, to develop a proof-of-concept transmission electron projection column based on miniaturized electron-optical components.

The ambition is to create a compact, cost-effective projection system that can be integrated into conventional SEMs, enabling high-resolution transmission imaging alongside complementary modalities such as light microscopy, cathodoluminescence, and focused ion beam processing. By combining the strengths of multiple imaging techniques within a single instrument, this technology has the potential to significantly expand the capabilities and accessibility of electron microscopy. Working at the intersection of electron optics, MEMS technology, microscopy instrumentation, and imaging physics, you will design, simulate, fabricate, and experimentally validate a novel MEMS-based transmission electron projection column integrated inside an SEM. The project combines theoretical modelling, numerical simulations, hardware development, precision engineering, and experimental validation, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation electron microscopy instrumentation.

The four-year research programme is organized into three main phases. During the first phase, you will develop analytical and numerical models describing the electron optics of the projection column and optimize its performance through large-scale simulations. You will use commercial electron-optical simulation software but also develop custom Python-based modelling tools developed within the project. Your research will be supported by access to DelftBlue, TU Delft's state-of-the-art high-performance computing infrastructure, enabling computationally intensive simulations and optimization. In the second phase, you will work closely with our experienced technical staff to design and realize the electron-optical components. Depending on the final design, these components will be fabricated using advanced MEMS technology, high-precision machining, or a combination of both.

You will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art microfabrication and cleanroom facilities, while also contributing to the development of the associated electronics, vacuum hardware, and experimental instrumentation required for the prototype. The final phase focuses on assembling, testing, and validating the prototype inside an SEM. You will compare experimental measurements with numerical predictions to validate the physical models and further optimize the instrument design. Throughout the project, you will work closely with researchers at TU Delft and engineers at Delmic, with opportunities for regular interaction and knowledge exchange between academia and industry. As part of your PhD, you will publish your findings in leading international journals, present your work at major scientific conferences, and contribute to the supervision of BSc and MSc students through laboratory work, tutorials, and research projects.

You will join "the Gheidari Lab" part of the Microscopy Instrumentation and Techniques (MInT) Group within the Department of Imaging Physics at TU Delft.

Job requirements

You are a highly motivated researcher with a strong interest in electron optics, instrumentation development, and computational modelling, eager to bridge simulation and experiment to realize next-generation electron microscopy systems. You enjoy working at the interface of fundamental research and industrial innovation, collaborating with both academic and industrial partners to achieve tangible results. Embracing the opportunity to work with leading industrial partners, you know how to collaborate and achieve meaningful results geared to the development of pragmatic applications. You also put your curiosity to good use: you don’t take anomalies for granted and take the initiative to dig deeper and spar with experts. Harnessing your communication skills, you convince colleagues at TU Delft and Delmic of your approach, models and programs. And you enjoy interacting with and coaching talented bachelor and master students, while expanding your own knowledge and competencies.

You also have:

• An MSc degree in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Demonstrable skills in numerical modeling, simulation, and data analysis.
• A solid understanding of Physics, Optics, Electron Optics, MEMS, exeprimenntal physics and microscopy systems.
• A proactive and curious mindset, with the ability to explore complex problems independently and collaboratively.
• A good command of spoken and written English, as you’ll be working in an internationally diverse community. You will also write scientific articles and your dissertation in English and participate in English-taught courses.
• An enthusiasm for coaching bachelor and master students, and for presenting your work in scientific articles and international conferences.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but 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.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

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.

The 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 make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service 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.

Please note

• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. The assessment takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed.
• Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon.