PhD Position Electron Control of Levitated Nanoparticles

Job description

Quantum physics has revolutionized the way we live—just think of the billions of transistors working to enable you to read this advert. Yet, quantum phenomena typically dominate only at the “small” scale of atoms and molecules. Imagine extending effects like quantum superposition and entanglement to “large” objects that we usually think of as classical particles. This is exactly what you will do at TU Delft.

As a PhD student in our teams, you will investigate how to interface electron beams with the motion of a levitated solid object containing billions of atoms. By combining techniques from electron optics and optical levitation, you will achieve displacement sensing and control with unprecedented sensitivity.

You will carry out pioneering research at the intersection of two distinct areas of physics. You will develop a chip-based levitation system that can be embedded in state-of-the-art electron microscopes—providing a unique platform to detect electrons after interacting with the moving nanoparticle. This setup will enable you to apply strong nonlinear forces to the particle. When combined with the quantum-limited control capabilities of optical tweezers, this platform holds the potential to create nonclassical motional states of levitated nanoparticles—one of the open challenges in the field. Your research will contribute to advancing our understanding of macroscopic quantum mechanics, from probing the quantum-to-classical transition to investigating the quantum nature of gravity.

You will be jointly supervised by the Rossi Lab and the Conesa-Boj Lab, and become part of a diverse and motivated team of academic staff and students at TU Delft. We offer an inspiring, friendly, and supportive environment, with regular meetings for scientific exchange and social activities. As a PhD candidate, you will design and build your levitation system, operate and maintain the experimental setup, analyze data, and gain experience in modeling, coding, and running complex equipment in our state-of-the-art laboratories. You will also receive comprehensive training to support your development as an independent scientist in this rapidly evolving field—opening strong prospects for a successful future career in academia or industry.

Job requirements

As a highly motivated researcher, you want to work at the cutting edge of science. You have a particular affinity for nanofabrication, quantum mechanics and enjoy discussing its intricacies. Driven by curiosity, you are creative, independent and eager to take the initiative. And you have the planning skills to deal with a very complex PhD project. You also have:

• An MSc degree in physics, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of laser and optics, nanofabrication, electron optics is an advantage.
• General experience of experimental physics is preferred.

The outcomes of this project will be disseminated to the scientific community and a general audience through presentations at (inter)national conferences and through publications in peer-reviewed journals. You will also participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses and write scientific articles and a final thesis. In addition, you may be involved in training and teaching BSc and MSc students. A certain level of English proficiency is therefore required, as well as the social skills to deal with many stakeholders.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

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.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this role, please contact Massimiliano Rossi and Sonia Conesa-Boj, by email at m.rossi-1@tudelft.nl and s.conesaboj@tudelft.nl.