Postdoc Next generation Optomechanical Sensor Technology

Sensing enabled by optomechanical systems

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a collaborative project between TU Delft (Simon Gröblacher’s group) and AMOLF (Ewold Verhagen’s group), centered around the development of cutting-edge optomechanical sensors. The position is embedded within QSTeM, a recently established Testbed for mechanical sensing, where novel sensors are designed, benchmarked, and developed with both academic and industrial partners.

The research conducted within this framework aims to accelerate the introduction of optomechanical sensor technology to the market. We focus on exploiting the intrinsically high sensitivity of these platforms as, for example, accelerometers or electromagnetic field sensors, while addressing critical practical aspects such as robustness, reproducibility, and system integration and packaging. This applied orientation creates an excellent opportunity to explore meaningful research questions while engaging directly with the challenges and needs faced by industry. Potential applications for these sensors range from inertial navigation and biomedicine to defense applications.

In addition to conducting research, the postdoc will actively contribute to measurements and benchmarking services for external partners. This includes performing characterization of sensor devices developed by collaborators, supporting QSTeM’s mission as a reliable and high-performance testing facility.

While being part of the Gröblacher group at the Department of Quantum Nanoscience at TU Delft—an exciting, collaborative environment with several world-renowned research groups where the research is supported by state-of-the-art facilities, in particular the cleanroom facilities for realizing next-generation nanostructures—the postdoc will be primarily based at the testbed facility in Delft, working day-to-day alongside the joint teams. This unique facility brings together researchers from AMOLF and TU Delft in a highly interdisciplinary and application-driven setting, focused on advancing optomechanical sensing technologies. The working environment is collaborative and international, offering the opportunity to work closely with both academic teams and industrial partners.

Job requirements

• PhD in optomechanics, nanophotonics, nano-engineering or other related fields.
• Hands-on experience with nanofabrication, quantum optics, photonics or nanomechanics.
• A collaborative mindset and strong communication skills.
• Prior experience in squeezed light generation and/or quantum enhanced sensing protocols is a plus.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 18 months (temporary).
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
• 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. 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.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Simon Gröblacher via s.groeblacher@tudelft.nl.