Postdoc on High-Harmonic Metrology of Solids and Liquids

Work Activities
The new Short Wavelength Light Sources for EUV Metrology group at ARCNL, Amsterdam, has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher (2-year contract).

Project Overview:
You will develop new ultrafast femtosecond-to-attosecond spectroscopy techniques in the EUV/soft-X-ray spectral range using a laboratory-based high-harmonic generation (HHG) setup. This includes:

• Developing HHG-based spectroscopic and interferometric techniques to measure interface and layer properties in multilayer solids and liquids.
• Designing methods to actively tune the EUV spectrum based on interlayer geometry and composition.
• Investigating dynamical evolution at interfaces and contributing to bridging attosecond science with industrial applications.

You will design and perform experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with other researchers within ARCNL and the ultrafast science community. The position also involves publishing results in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at international conferences.

Qualifications
Mandatory:
You have (or will receive in the near future) a PhD degree in ultrafast light-matter interaction. You enjoy performing experiments and analysis to stepwise build a deeper understanding of complex physical mechanisms. For this position, we are particularly looking for a candidate who can combine state-of-the-art ultrafast laser optics with instrument development and building. A solid background in both optics/optics engineering and condensed matter physics would be ideal.

Experience in one or more of the following topics is required:

• High-harmonic generation in gas, solids, liquids or 2D materials.
• Ultrafast lasers and optics
• Condensed matter physics
• Fundamental optical processes in solids
• Attosecond and femtosecond science
• EUV and X-ray spectroscopy and interferometry
• Vacuum instrumentation

Additionally, programming and large data handling for data analysis (Python, MATLAB) and very good verbal and written communication skills in English are required.

Preferred:
Preference will be given to candidates with:

• Familiarity with ML-based phase-retrieval algorithms
• Experience with facility-based experimental expertise (Free-electron laser/Synchrotron) on solids/liquids

Work environment
ARCNL performs fundamental research, focusing on the physics and chemistry involved in current and future key technologies in nanolithography, primarily for the semiconductor industry. While the academic setting and research style are geared towards establishing scientific excellence, the topics in ARCNL’s research program are intimately connected with the interests of the industrial partner ASML. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 100 persons of which 65 are ambitious (young) researchers from all over the globe. www.arcnl.nl

Working conditions
The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of 2 years, with a salary in scale 10 (CAO-OI) and a range of employment benefits. ARCNL assists any new foreign Postdoc with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

More information?
For further information about the position, please contact Angana Mondal: a.mondal@arcnl.nl

Application
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below.

Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code
ARCNL is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

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PhD student Nonlinear molecular spectroscopy of elastic water

Work Activities
Hydrogels form a special class of form-stable, elastic materials that consist of a (polymer) network and a large amount of water. In this project you will use advanced nonlinear spectroscopic techniques to study biological hydrogels and supramolecular hydrogels. Biological hydrogels have a network formed by protein-polysaccharide chains, and typically contain 90-99% water. These hydrogels are ubiquitous in nature and perform important biological functions. Supramolecular hydrogels contain relatively small molecular components that reversibly assemble via hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions into fibrils or bundels. Supramolecular hydrogels can already be form-stable and elastic while containing an astonishingly large amount (>99.9%) of water. As a result of the non-covalent nature of these interactions, supramolecular hydrogels are highly responsive to external stimuli like changes in temperature, pH, and exposure to light, thus allowing an easy control of their visco-elastic properties. For some supramolecular hydrogels, a small change in temperature already suffices to switch the state of the system between a liquid aqueous solution and a form-stable elastic hydrogel.

In this project you will study the molecular-scale structure and dynamics of water and polymer networks of biological and supramolecular hydrogels, using femtosecond two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy and polarization-resolved femtosecond infrared spectroscopy. The obtained information will clarify how the macroscopic viscoelastic and responsive properties of hydrogels are determined by the structure and dynamics of the polymer network and the water molecules of the hydrogel.

Qualifications
A Masters degree in Physics or Physical Chemistry. Experience with femtosecond lasers and/or nonlinear spectroscopy is a bonus.

Work environment
The group Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Prof. dr. Huib J. Bakker studies the molecular-scale structural dynamics of complex liquids like water and aqueous solutions, and solids (e.g. ice and metal-organic-frameworks). This research is carried out with advanced (nonlinear) spectroscopic techniques including femtosecond two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy, vibrational surface sum-frequency generation, and GHz-THz dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. http://www.amolf.nl/research/ultrafast-spectroscopy/

AMOLF is one of the research institutes of NWO-I, and initiates and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, with the goal to create new functional materials. The institute works in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 160 researchers and 90 support employees. www.amolf.nl

Working conditions

• The working atmosphere at the institute is largely determined by young, enthusiastic, mostly foreign employees. Communication is informal and runs through short lines of communication.
• The position is intended as a full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment with the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I), for the duration of four years
• The starting salary is 2.781 Euro’s gross per month and a range of employment benefits.
• After successful completion of the PhD research a PhD degree will be granted at the University of Amsterdam.
• Several courses are offered, specifically developed for PhD-students.
• AMOLF assists incoming foreign PhD-students with housing and visa applications, and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

More information?
For further information about the position, please contact Huib Bakker: h.bakker@amolf.nl and .

Application
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below. All requested documents should be included, applications without a transcript will not be considered.

Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code
AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

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Postdoc vacancy: Terahertz microscopy and -imaging on 2D heterostructures

Work Activities
In this project you will work on expanding our terahertz (THz) time domain microspectroscopy and imaging capabilities, and on applying THz (emission) microscopy to study 2D materials and 2D heterostructures. The microscope will use femtosecond lasers to generate and detect terahertz pulses using non-linear optical techniques. You will then apply the THz microscope to measure the properties of 2D materials and 2D heterostructures on micrometer length scales.

The proposed work is part of the Teratom project, led by the Technical University Eindhoven, and financed by National Growth Fund NXTGEN Hightech programme: Future-proof high-tech equipment.

Qualifications
A PhD degree in physics, physical chemistry, or a closely related subject is required for this project. You have to enjoy working with optics and ultrafast lasers and have some affinity with electronics. If you have experience with one or more of the following topics: femtosecond lasers - terahertz time-domain generation and detection - nonlinear optics, this is considered a strong advantage. Very good verbal and written communications skills (in English) are required.

Work environment
The Light/Matter Interaction group focuses on developing the science and technology of new optical and optical/acoustic hybrid metrology modalities for nanolithography applications. Projects include ultra-high frequency photoacoustics for metrology, THz emission spectroscopy, understanding laser damage in semiconductor-industry-relevant materials, and, in this project, THz imaging science and technology for measuring micrometer- and nanometer-scale properties of semiconductors and 2D materials and 2D heterostructures.

The group houses state-of-the-art lab facilities, such as various femtosecond laser systems, at the Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL). The Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL) focuses on the fundamental physics and chemistry involved in current and future key technologies in nanolithography, primarily for the semiconductor industry. ARCNL is a public-private partnership between the Dutch Research Council (NWO), the University of Amsterdam (UvA), the VU University Amsterdam (VU) and the semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML. ARCNL is located at the Science Park Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and is currently housing about 100 scientists and support staff. We offer a dynamic and open environment, and aim to provide the optimum conditions for young scientists to do exciting research leading to high-impact results, which focus on fundamental physics and chemistry challenges, and might also have direct technological relevance.

ARCNL performs fundamental research, focusing on the physics and chemistry involved in current and future key technologies in nanolithography, primarily for the semiconductor industry. While the academic setting and research style are geared towards establishing scientific excellence, the topics in ARCNL’s research program are intimately connected with the interests of the industrial partner ASML. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 100 persons of which 65 are ambitious (young) researchers from all over the globe. www.arcnl.nl

Working conditions
The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of 2.5 years, with a salary in scale 10 (CAO-OI) and a range of employment benefits. ARCNL assists any new foreign Postdoc with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses. A favorable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.

More information?
For further information about the position, please contact:

Paul Planken

Group leader (Light/Matter interaction) & full professor at the University of Amsterdam

Email: p.planken@arcnl.nl

Phone: +31 (0)20-851 7100

Application
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below.

Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code
ARCNL is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.

Postdoc Optomechanical sensing technology

Work Activities
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to work on cutting-edge optomechanical sensors. The project is part of a close collaboration between the Photonic Forces group at AMOLF, led by Ewold Verhagen, and the group of Simon Gröblacher at TU Delft. The position is embedded in QSTeM, a recently established Testbed for mechanical sensing, where novel sensors are designed, benchmarked, and developed with both academic and industrial partners. The project is mainly carried out at the QSTeM laboratory in Delft, and partly at the AMOLF institute in Amsterdam.

Mechanical resonators can serve as excellent sensors for a wide range of signals such as accelerations and electromagnetic fields, with applications ranging from industrial process control and biomedicine to inertial navigation. Recent progress in ultralow-dissipation nanomechanical platforms and quantum-limited optical measurement and control techniques have enabled mechanical resonators with exquisite sensing properties. This project aims to accelerate the introduction of optomechanical sensor technology to the market. We focus on exploiting the intrinsically high sensitivity of these platforms 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. In addition to conducting research, you will actively contribute to measurements and benchmarking services for external partners, supporting QSTeM’s mission as a reliable and high-performance testing facility.

You will be primarily based at QSTeM’s 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. At the same time, you will be a full member of the Photonic Forces group at AMOLF, embedded in a rich research and teaching environment studying various topics within nanophotonics and nanomechanics and having access to its state-of-art facilities.

Please send your application at the latest by February 17, 2026.

Qualifications
We seek an excellent candidate with a background in optomechanics, nanophotonics, nano-engineering, or other related fields. Hands-on experience with nanofabrication, quantum optics, or nanomechanics is a plus. You need to have a doctoral degree, or have met all the requirements and will receive the doctoral degree shortly. The successful candidate has a collaborative spirit and will liaise with collaborators. We strongly believe in the benefits of an inclusive and diverse environment, and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

Work environment
As mentioned above, the QSTeM project is a joint undertaking under the direction of Dr. Letizia Catalini and coordinated by Prof. Simon Gröblacher at TU Delft and Prof. Ewold Verhagen at AMOLF. The QSTeM team strives to create a positive, collaborative environment for professional development and joint learning, strongly valuing equality, respect, and diversity in all aspects. At AMOLF, it is linked to the Photonic Forces group of Ewold Verhagen, which studies nanomechanics and nanophotonics in devices ranging from photonic crystals and metamaterials to high-quality optomechanical resonators. We investigate the fundamental physics associated with light-matter interactions, which are enhanced through optical field confinement in tailored nanophotonic systems, as well as the applications they allow. Specific topics of interest include topological photonics, non-Hermitian dynamics, and quantum measurement in nano-optomechanical systems. The group combines theory and experiment, including design and nanofabrication. It is part of the Center for Nanophotonics, where multiple groups collaborate on the study and application of light confined to the nanoscale. Within the group as well as within the QSTeM team, we have a strong focus on stimulating development of junior researchers in all professional aspects, as well as collaborations with other researchers and partners. For more information, see www.optomechanics.nl.

AMOLF is a part of NWO-I and initiate and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and to create new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 140 researchers and 80 support employees. www.amolf.nl

Working conditions

• The working atmosphere at the QSTeM facility in Delft and the AMOLF institute in Amsterdam is largely determined by young, enthusiastic, mostly foreign employees. Communication is informal and runs through short lines of communication.
• The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of 2 years
• Salary is in scale 10 (CAO-OI) which starts at 4.552 Euro’s gross per month, and a range of employment benefits.
• AMOLF assists any new foreign Postdoc with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

More information?
For further information about the position, please contact Ewold Verhagen: verhagen@amolf.nl.

Application
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below, at the latest by February 17, 2026.

Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code
AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.

PhD: Beyond extreme ultraviolet light source plasmas: Theory and experiment

Work Activities
This fully funded PhD position lies at the interface between fundamental physics and industrial application. It is part of activities in ARCNL’s Source Department. The research activities of the Source Department aim at an atomic- and molecular-level understanding of the fundamental dynamics in the operation of contemporary and future plasma-based sources of extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) and beyond-EUV light for nanolithography.

In our group’s research we, for example, uncovered the quantum origins of the generated EUV light [Torretti, Nature Comms. Nature Commun. 11, (2020)], found a universal law for expanding plasma [Sheil, Phys. Rev. Lett. 133, (2024)], and found that less than half the initial droplet volume is present on thin tin sheet targets as used in EUV sources [Liu, Phys. Rev. Appl. 20, (2023)], and work on an alternative EUV source solution [Mostafa, Appl. Phys. Lett. 123, (2023)].

Background
The revolutionary introduction of EUV lithography was the culmination of several decades of collaborative work between industry and science – a Project Apollo of the digital age. The short, 13.5-nm EUV wavelength enables patterning the smallest, smartest, and most energy-efficient features on chips. The required 13.5-nm radiation is generated from plasma that is produced from tiny tin droplets that are heated by powerful laser pulses. At ARCNL, we are now thinking about light sources that radiate at even shorter wavelengths below 13.5 nm, which could open up a host of applications in future nanolithography, metrology, as well as biological imaging. There are many open questions: what elements should be used to generate the required radiation? how do we generate as many ‘usable’ photons from the plasma as possible? What are the optimal laser and target properties?

Project goal
The goal of this joint experiment-theory project is to elucidate the properties of beyond-EUV radiating plasmas. The work will entail performing experiments and numerical modeling of plasmas to quantify, for instance, the radiative properties of the plasma, how many fast-moving ions are produced, as well as the efficiency of converting input laser light into the desired photons. You will join an interdisciplinary team of several PhD students and postdocs in ARCNL’s highly cohesive Source Department and have as an objective to design & execute experiments, to work with advanced laser technologies, and to understand the emission of light and ions from plasma that you generate.

Qualifications

• You have (or will soon obtain) an MSc degree in (Applied) Physics
• Knowledge of experimental atomic, plasma and/or laser physics is an asset, especially if combined with strong hands-on laboratory skills
• Programming experience, particularly in Python, is welcomed
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English are required

Work environment
ARCNL performs fundamental research, focusing on the physics and chemistry involved in current and future key technologies in nanolithography, primarily for the semiconductor industry. While the academic setting and research style are geared towards establishing scientific excellence, the topics in ARCNL’s research program are intimately connected with the interests of the industrial partner ASML. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 100 persons of which 65 are ambitious (young) researchers from all over the globe. www.arcnl.nl

Working conditions
The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of four years, with a starting salary of gross € 3.115 per month and a range of employment benefits. After successful completion of the PhD research a PhD degree will be granted at a Dutch University. Several courses are offered, specially developed for PhD-students. ARCNL assists any new foreign PhD-student with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

More information?
For further information about the position, please contact John Sheil: j.sheil@arcnl.nl.

Application
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below.

Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code
ARCNL is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.