PhD Position One Ink

Do you want to work on cutting edge nanotechnology research? Are you interested in the physical chemistry and physics of colloidal quantum dot devices?

PhD Opportunity in Nanotechnology: Integrated Short-Wave Infrared Photodetectors and Light-Emitting Devices Based on III-V Quantum Dots

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a background in physical chemistry or materials physics to join the project “One Ink to Rule Them All: Integrated Short-Wave Infrared Photodetectors and Light-Emitting Devices Based on III-V Quantum Dots for Wearable Photonic Technologies (ONE INK)”, funded through the PhotonDelta National Growth Fund programme.

ONE INK aims to develop a single printable quantum-dot ink that can both emit and detect short-wave infrared (SWIR) light, enabling a new generation of compact, low-cost, and wearable health-sensing technologies. Using III–V semiconductor nanocrystals, the project will create materials that make it possible to monitor key health markers without invasive blood tests. The ability to print light sources and detectors from one ink directly onto electronics simplifies manufacturing and supports the future of personalised, preventive healthcare. The project will also employ a postdoctoral researcher who will work alongside the PhD candidate.

As a PhD candidate, you will work in the NCFun group of Prof. Arjan Houtepen, with Dr. Tom Savenije as co-supervisor. You will be embedded in a vibrant research environment and closely collaborate with QDI Systems (Groningen) and imec (Leuven). The position is part of a larger, interdisciplinary team working on the synthesis, characterization and device integration of nanomaterials for optoelectronic applications.

Your research will focus on:

• Physical chemistry and photophysics of semiconductor nanomaterials
• Colloidal chemistry and wet-chemical synthesis routes
• Surface passivation strategies to control trap densities and charge dynamics
• Fabrication and testing of opto-electronic devices based on solution-processed nanomaterials
• Linking nanocrystal structure, electronic properties and device performance

Your profile:

You have a completed Master’s degree in physical chemistry, materials science, applied physics, or a closely related field. You combine a strong interest in the synthesis, structure and properties of nanomaterials with a solid understanding of solid-state physics.

The ideal candidate has experience with one or more of the following:

• Colloidal synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials
• Characterization of nanocrystals and their surfaces
• Time-resolved or steady-state optical spectroscopy
• Opto-electronic device fabrication and testing

You enjoy working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment and are motivated to contribute to both fundamental understanding and technological development.

What we offer:

• A full-time PhD position at TU Delft in a leading European research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art synthesis, characterization and device fabrication facilities
• Close collaboration with industrial and academic partners in the Netherlands and Belgium
• The opportunity to contribute to innovative semiconductor materials and device concepts with real-world impact

Job requirements

For this position we are looking for a physical chemist or materials physicist with a completed master degree. You should combine a keen interest in the synthesis and properties of nanomaterials with understanding of solid state physics. The ideal candidate has prior experience with colloidal materials, synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials and opto-electronic devices.

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 of 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 vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact prof. Arjan Houtepen via A.J.Houtepen@tudelft.nl.