PhD position on explainable DeepFake detection using Foundation models

The challenge:
In the past decades, photographs and videos of events were regarded as reliable evidence for both news media and forensic investigations. However, recent developments in AI technology now make it possible, with minimal technological knowledge or skills, to create extremely convincing manipulated or synthesised images, audio and video data, often called DeepFakes.

This fact is a serious threat to the trustworthiness of news in the media and forensic processes in criminal investigations. Therefore, development of reliable methods to detect manipulations and distinguish bonafide from synthesised data is of utmost importance. In addition, especially for forensic investigations, simple detection is not sufficient. An explanation of the traces of manipulation and tools used for the synthesis or
manipulation should be produced as well.

In the EU project DEFORM, 14 research institutes, universities and companies from 6 different countries aim to develop methods and tools for explainable detection of DeepFakes using Foundation models and other techniques.

At the University of Twente, we are looking for a PhD
researcher who will work in close collaboration with the
other partners on detection of fake videos using
inconsistencies in video as well as audio.

PhD Position(s) Diffractive Electron Imaging of Surfaces

Job description

We are looking for two PhD candidates to join the Curious Beams Lab at Delft University of Technology and develop a new approach to imaging materials surfaces with electrons. The positions are part of BEAMSurf: Diffractive Atomic-Scale Surface Imaging with Backscattered Electrons, an ERC Starting Grant project led by Dr. Georgios Varnavides.

Surfaces control many of the properties and processes that determine material functionality, from chemical reactions in catalysis to interfaces in nanoelectronic devices. Yet, observing surfaces at high spatial resolution while they operate remains challenging. BEAMSurf will develop a new scanning electron microscope that uses coherent backscattered electrons for diffractive imaging of surfaces, with the potential to overcome conventional resolution limits for low-energy SEM.

As a PhD candidate, you will help build the experimental and computational foundations of this imaging technique. The two PhD candidates will have complementary roles and work alongisde a postdoctoral researcher leading the instrumentation development.

PhD 1: Electron Optics and Experimental Imaging

You will help develop and experimentally realize the new electron-optical imaging platform. Working closely with the postdoc, you will design, characterize, and integrate miniature electron-optical components into a high-vacuum SEM. A central challenge is to separate the desired backscattered electron signal from the primary beam and direct it towards a dedicated detector.

Your work will span electron optics, ray tracing simulations, nanofabrication, vacuum technology, and experimental microscopy. As the project develops, you will also help establish the experimental imaging methodology and optimize the microscope for diffractive imaging.

This position is suited to candidates interested in building new instrumentation and working across physics and engineering. Experience with electron optics, electromagnetic simulation, MEMS, nanofabrication, vacuum systems or instrumentation is valuable but not required.

PhD 2: Computational Imaging and Surface Science

You will develop the computational methods needed to extract high-resolution surface information from coherent backscattered electron measurements. You will develop forward models and inverse-scattering approaches for reflection-mode electron imaging, using simulations and experimental reconstructions to understand the capabilities and limitations of the technique.

As the experimental platform matures, you will work closely with the instrumentation team to apply these methods to experimental measurements and establish high-resolution surface imaging. An important goal is to move beyond static images towards studying surfaces as they evolve, including processes such as oxidation, interfacial reactions, and electrically driven changes.

This position is suited to candidates interested in computational imaging, inverse problems, electron scattering, open-source numerical techniques, and/or surface science. Experience with electron microscopy datasets is useful but not essential.

Research Environment:

You will join the Curious Beams Lab, led by Dr. Georgios Varnavides, within the Microscopy and Instrumentation Techniques (MInT) cluster of the Department of Imaging Physics at TU Delft, Applied Sciences.

The MInT cluster brings together multiple research groups working across electron microscopy, from semiconductor inspection and metrology, to cryogenic electron microscopy for biological samples. The cluster has access to state-of-the-art field-emission SEMs and FIB-SEMS, with a new microscope being acquired primarily for this project.

More broadly, the ImPhys department provides an interdisciplinary environment spanning multiple imaging modalities, wavelengths, and length scaels, including extreme ultraviolet imaging, optical super-resolution, ultrasound and MRI, as-well as AI-based medical imaging.

Job requirements
We are looking for curious and motivated researchers who want to develop a new imaging technology from fundamental physics through to experimental demonstration.

You have:

• An MSc degree, or equivalent, in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, computer science, or a closely related field.
• A strong interest in experimental physics, electron microscopy, imaging science, or a related area.
• The ability to work independently while contributing actively to a collaborative research team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good written and spoken English communication skills.
• You are available to start in 2027, with some flexibility around the exact start date.

For the electron-optics and experimental-imaging direction, experience or interest in electron optics, electromagnetic simulation, nanofabrication, MEMS, vacuum systems, instrumentation, electronics or experimental microscopy is particularly valuable.

For the computational-imaging and surface-science direction, experience or interest in scientific programming, numerical simulation, inverse problems, computational imaging, diffraction, electron microscopy or materials characterization is particularly valuable.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a 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 join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

Postdoc Electron Optics and Instrumentation

Job description

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the Curious Beams Lab at Delft University of Technology and lead the instrumentation development for BEAMSurf: Diffractive Atomic-Scale Surface Imaging with Backscattered Electrons, an ERC Starting Grant project led by Dr. Georgios Varnavides.

BEAMSurf aims to develop a new type of scanning electron microscope that uses coherent backscattered electrons for diffractive imaging of material surfaces. By combining electron optics, MEMS technology, experimental microscopy, and computational imaging, we aim to open new possibilities for high-resolution surface imaging at low electron energies.

As the postdoctoral researcher, you will take the technical and scientific ownership of the instrument development, from electron-optical design through to fabrication, integration and experimental demonstration. You will work closely with two PhD candidates with complimentary roles: one will focus on experimental imaging, microscope characterization, and establishing the imaging methodology, while the other will develop computational imaging approaches and apply them to surface science. You will also work closely with the PI and an electron-optics technician supporting the project.

A central challenge is to develop compact electron-optical components that can separate the desired coherent backscattered-electron signal from the primary beam and direct it towards a dedicated detector. You will design and characterize these components, coordinate their fabrication and integration, and lead the commisioning and optimization of the experimental instrument.

Your work will span electron-optical design, electromagnetic and ray-tracing simulations, MEMS and nanofabrication, vacuum technology, detector integration and experimental microscopy. Working with the experimental-imaging PhD candidate, you will establish the performance of the instrument and the conditions needed to acquire high-quality diffraction data. You will also work with computational-imaging PhD candidate to connect the experimental measurements to reconstruction and imaging methods.

The position offers substantial scope to shape the technical direction of the project and to develop new instrumentation from concept through to experimental demonstration. You will have access to a new high-vacuum SEM acquired primarily for BEAMSurf, together with the broader electron microscopy infrastructure of the department.

This position is particularly suited to candidates with a background in electron optics, charged-particle optics, electron microscopy, electromagnetic simulation or scientific instrumentation. Experience with MEMS, nanofabrication, vacuum systems, detector technology or experimental microscopy is valuable. We are also interested in candidates who have developed complex experimental instrumentation in adjacent fields and are motivated to apply their expertise to electron microscopy.

Research Environment:

You will join the Curious Beams Lab, led by Dr. Georgios Varnavides, within the Microscopy and Instrumentation Techniques (MInT) cluster of the Department of Imaging Physics at TU Delft, Applied Sciences.

The MInT cluster brings together multiple research groups working across electron microscopy, from semiconductor inspection and metrology, to cryogenic electron microscopy for biological samples. The cluster has access to state-of-the-art field-emission SEMs and FIB-SEMS, with a new microscope being acquired primarily for this project.

More broadly, the ImPhys department provides an interdisciplinary environment spanning multiple imaging modalities, wavelengths, and length scaels, including extreme ultraviolet imaging, optical super-resolution, ultrasound and MRI, as-well as AI-based medical imaging.

Job requirements
We are looking for a curious and motivated researcher who wants to develop new experimental capabilities at the intersection of electron optics, instrumentation and imaging science.

You have:

• A PhD degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field.
• A strong background in experimental physics, electron optics, electron microscopy, charged-particle optics, or scientific instrumentation.
• Experience designing, building or characterizing experimental systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently.
• Experience with numerical simulation, scientific programming or electromagnetic modelling is valuable.
• The ability to work effectively across disciplinary boundaries and contribute actively to a collaborative research team.
• Good written and spoken English communication skills.
• You are available to start in the first half of 2027, with some flexibility around the exact start date.

Experience or interest in electron optics, ray tracing, electromagnetic simulation, MEMS, nanofabrication, vacuum systems, detector technology, electronics or experimental microscopy is particularly valuable.

Experience with electron microscopy is useful but not essential if you have a strong background in related instrumentation or charged-particle optics and are motivated to learn.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a 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 join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

Onderzoeksassistent: Voorlezen en empathie bij jonge kinderen

Binnen dit innovatieve project onderzoeken we hoe voorlezen kan bijdragen aan de empathische ontwikkeling van kinderen van 3 tot en met 6 jaar. Hiervoor hebben we een speciaal kinderboek ontwikkeld, gericht op de gevoelens en het helpen van anderen. Om het effect van dit boek te onderzoeken en te vergelijken met dat van andere boeken, worden ouders en kinderen willekeurig ingedeeld in meerdere condities. Tijdens de interventieperiode vinden verschillende meetmomenten plaats.

Als onderzoeksassistent heb je veel contact met deelnemende kinderen en hun ouders. Daarnaast speel je een actieve rol bij het verzamelen van de onderzoeksgegevens. Je begeleidt gezinnen tijdens de interventieperiode en voert verschillende meetmomenten uit. Deze vinden plaats bij gezinnen thuis of in het lab van de universiteit. Omdat je gedurende meerdere weken met dezelfde gezinnen werkt, bouw je een vertrouwensband met hen op.

Tijdens de meetmomenten begeleid je kinderen en ouders op een prettige en laagdrempelige manier. Daarnaast neem je verschillende taken af die gericht zijn op de sociale en empathische ontwikkeling van kinderen. Ook verzamel je biologische data voor het meten van oxytocine. Vervolgens observeer, verwerk en codeer je de onderzoeksgegevens.

Als onderzoeksassistent is geen dag hetzelfde. Je werkt zowel met kinderen en ouders als met het onderzoeksteam en krijgt een kijkje achter de schermen van wetenschappelijk onderzoek naar de ontwikkeling van jonge kinderen. Voor meer informatie kun je de onderzoekspagina bekijken.