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).

Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.

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).

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.

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.

Senior Elektronica Engineer

Work Activities
Als Senior Elektronica Engineer ontwikkel je hoogwaardige meet- en besturingselektronica waarbij veel deeldisciplines uit de elektronica aan bod komen (Hoogspanning, RF, signaalintegriteit). Je pakt zelfstandig projecten op, en communiceert hierover met alle betrokkenen. Je signaleert problemen, en bent in staat deze zelfstandig op te pakken en de uitkomst te communiceren op een gestructureerde manier. Je draagt ook bij aan het verbeteren van de afdeling op organisatorisch niveau. Je bent in staat om de beste oplossing voor een uitdaging te identificeren en deze met de wetenschappers te bespreken.

Qualifications
Wie zoeken wij?

• Je hebt een Bachelor Elektronica of gelijkwaardige ervaring
• Je spreekt Nederlands en Engels op technisch niveau (voertaal is Nederlands)
• Je hebt ervaring met PCB ontwerp in een CAD suite (wij gebruiken KiCad en Siemens)
• Je hebt interesse in natuurkunde en wetenschap
• Je vindt het leuk dingen uit te leggen en jouw kennis te delen
• Je hebt ervaring met bijdragen aan een afdeling op organisatorisch niveau (bijv. procesverbetering)

Het is ook fijn als je hier ervaring in hebt:

• Embedded electronics
• Pico-schaal signalen (pico ampere, pico seconde)
• FPGA (Xilinx) - Ervaring met normen (bijv. NEN-3140)
• Selectie van software pakketten
• EMC storing zoeken & oplossen

Work environment
Onze afdeling Electronics Engineering bestaat uit 5 medewerkers en beheerst een breed spectrum aan specialismen. We hebben een gevarieerd team met opleidingsniveaus die lopen van MTS tot en met HTS+. Met een breed scala aan apparatuur voeren we projecten uit. Denk hierbij aan; een procesregelaar, trans-impedance versterker, nano-seconde schaal laser trigger of een bedieningspaneel voor een opstelling. Femtoampères of kilovolts zijn extremen waar we regelmatig mee te maken hebben. De afdeling ondersteunt twee onderzoeksorganisaties; AMOLF en ARCNL. Bij deze organisaties op het Amsterdam Science Park werken in totaal circa 240 onderzoekers en 80 ondersteunende medewerkers. AMOLF initieert en verricht toonaangevend fundamenteel onderzoek aan nieuwe, strategisch belangrijke complexe molecuul- en materiaalsystemen. Denk hierbij aan een nieuw materiaal voor zonnecellen, welke 10% efficiënter werkt dan de huidige variant. Of metamaterialen die computerberekeningen op een mechanische manier uitvoeren. Zie ook www.amolf.nl. Het Advanced Research Center for Nano-Lithography (ARCNL) verricht fundamenteel onderzoek aan de fysica en technologie van nano-lithografie. Het ARCNL is een publiek-private samenwerking tussen ASML en meerdere kennisinstellingen. Zie ook www.arcnl.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
De sfeer op het Instituut wordt in hoge mate bepaald door jonge, enthousiaste medewerkers. De communicatie is informeel en verloopt via korte lijnen. De secundaire arbeidsvoorwaarden zijn uitstekend. On-the-job training en studiefaciliteiten zijn vanzelfsprekend. Inschaling vindt, afhankelijk van relevante kennis en ervaring, plaats in schaal 8 of 9; maximaal € 5.088, - bruto per maand exclusief vakantiegeld (8%) en eindejaarsuitkering (8,33%). Het betreft een dienstverband van twee jaar met de intentie van een aansluitend vast dienstverband. De omvang van het dienstverband is bespreekbaar, binnen het kader 32 tot 40 uur per week. De werktijden zijn flexibel, maar omdat dit ook hands-on werk betreft, hebben wij wel de regel dat er minimaal 3 dagen per week op kantoor wordt gewerkt. Wij hebben erg royale vakantiedagen, 42 dagen op basis van voltijd dienstverband.

More information?
Voor meer informatie over de functie kunt u contact opnemen met Huibert Harteloh Hoofd Electronics Engineering E-mail: h.harteloh@amolf.nl

Application
Lijkt deze baan iets voor jou? Solliciteer dan zo snel mogelijk!

Online screening kan deel uitmaken van de sollicitatieprocedure.

AMOLF hecht veel belang aan een inclusieve en diverse werkomgeving. Daarom moedigen wij kandidaten met welke persoonlijke achtergrond dan ook van harte aan te solliciteren.

Acquisitie n.a.v. deze advertentie wordt niet op prijs gesteld.

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.