Post-doc position: Emergent computing in nanomechanical oscillator networks

Work Activities
The Mechanical Metamaterials and Hypersmart Matter groups at AMOLF are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to investigate how interactions between micromechanical oscillators can give rise to unconventional material computers.

You will investigate arrays of coupled silicon drum resonators, each of which can sustain two stable oscillation phases and thereby act as a physical bit. When these bistable elements interact, their collective response can depend on the history and sequence of applied inputs, opening possibilities for memory and computation. Building on ideas developed in macroscopic mechanical metamaterials, you will explore how networks of these microscopic elements can perform tasks such as counting and recognizing input sequences.

You will combine experiments with modelling to uncover the switching pathways of interacting resonators, connect these pathways to computational tasks, and investigate what sets their robustness and energy cost. Tunable interactions and access to multiple vibrational modes provide opportunities to explore how computational behaviour can be reprogrammed within the same physical device. The experiments will take advantage of the state-of-the-art cleanroom at AMOLF, as well as of our optical characterization facilities.

Qualifications
We seek an excellent candidate with a background in physics or engineering, ideally with relevant experience in micromechanics or physical computation. You need to have a doctoral degree, or have met all the requirements and will receive the doctoral degree shortly. We strongly believe in the benefits of an inclusive and diverse workplace, and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

Work environment
Our groups create (meta)materials and (meta)devices that process information in novel ways, using phenomena that are not traditionally used for computation. We investigate how computational capabilities emerge from the properties of its physical substrate, such as symmetry, topology and disorder. We aim to challenge the current approach to information processing, which assumes that every computational step is carried out perfectly. Instead, we want to build computers that embrace the complexity and imperfection of real-world physical systems.

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 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 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 3 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 Marc Serra Garcia: m.serragarcia@amolf.nl and Martin van Hecke: m.v.hecke@amolf.nl.

Application
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below, at the latest by Nov 30, 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.

Post-doc position: Emergent computing in nanomechanical oscillator networks

Work Activities
The Mechanical Metamaterials and Hypersmart Matter groups at AMOLF are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to investigate how interactions between micromechanical oscillators can give rise to unconventional material computers.

You will investigate arrays of coupled silicon drum resonators, each of which can sustain two stable oscillation phases and thereby act as a physical bit. When these bistable elements interact, their collective response can depend on the history and sequence of applied inputs, opening possibilities for memory and computation. Building on ideas developed in macroscopic mechanical metamaterials, you will explore how networks of these microscopic elements can perform tasks such as counting and recognizing input sequences.

You will combine experiments with modelling to uncover the switching pathways of interacting resonators, connect these pathways to computational tasks, and investigate what sets their robustness and energy cost. Tunable interactions and access to multiple vibrational modes provide opportunities to explore how computational behaviour can be reprogrammed within the same physical device. The experiments will take advantage of the state-of-the-art cleanroom at AMOLF, as well as of our optical characterization facilities.

Qualifications
We seek an excellent candidate with a background in physics or engineering, ideally with relevant experience in micromechanics or physical computation. You need to have a doctoral degree, or have met all the requirements and will receive the doctoral degree shortly. We strongly believe in the benefits of an inclusive and diverse workplace, and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

Work environment
Our groups create (meta)materials and (meta)devices that process information in novel ways, using phenomena that are not traditionally used for computation. We investigate how computational capabilities emerge from the properties of its physical substrate, such as symmetry, topology and disorder. We aim to challenge the current approach to information processing, which assumes that every computational step is carried out perfectly. Instead, we want to build computers that embrace the complexity and imperfection of real-world physical systems.

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 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 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 3 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 Marc Serra Garcia: m.serragarcia@amolf.nl and Martin van Hecke: m.v.hecke@amolf.nl.

Application
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below, at the latest by Nov 30, 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.

Teamleider Elektronica Afdeling

Work Activities
Als Teamleider Elektronica Engineering geef je leiding aan een team van vijf enthousiaste Elektronica Ingenieurs. Je coördineert projecten, stelt prioriteiten en zorgt ervoor dat de technische oplossingen naadloos aansluiten op de behoeften van wetenschappers. Je bent het gezicht van de afdeling en weet binnen de organisatie de juiste verbindingen te leggen. Hoewel je geen specialistische elektronicarol vervult, is ervaring met elektronicaontwerp cruciaal om processen en innovaties binnen de afdeling te kunnen begeleiden.

Waar je aan werkt

• Leidinggeven aan het team van circa vijf Elektronica Ingenieurs, zorgen voor structuur en het begeleiden van hun ontwikkeling;
• Projecten coördineren en prioriteiten stellen, zodat onderzoeksteams tijdig beschikken over de juiste technologie;
• Samenwerken met wetenschappers, vertalen van onderzoeksbehoeften naar een plan van aanpak;
• Procesbewaking en innovatie, zorgen voor de ontwikkeling van hoogwaardige meetapparatuur;
• Budgetbeheer en strategische ontwikkeling van de elektronica-afdeling.

Qualifications

• Hbo/Wo-werk- en denkniveau en ervaring met elektronicaontwerp, waarmee je technische keuzes en risico’s kunt beoordelen;
• Leidinggevende ervaring binnen onderzoek, technisch complexe,- of R&D-omgeving;
• Sterke organisatorische en communicatieve vaardigheden, met een verbindende en oplossingsgerichte aanpak;
• Goede beheersing van Nederlands en Engels, gezien de internationale werkomgeving.
• Affiniteit met analoge elektronica en natuurkunde is een pré.

For this position, we are looking for candidates who are currently based in the Netherlands, speak Dutch, and are able to work on-site at our location.

Work environment
AMOLF en ARCNL zijn vooraanstaande onderzoeksinstituten waar baanbrekend fundamenteel onderzoek wordt verricht. Onderzoekers werken hier met ongeveer 100 experimentele opstellingen die specifiek worden ontwikkeld om complexe fysische experimenten mogelijk te maken. Dit vereist op maat gemaakte meet- en analyseapparatuur, ontworpen en gerealiseerd door een multidisciplinair team van mechanici, elektronici en software engineers.

De afdeling Elektronica Engineering speelt hierin een sleutelrol. Zij ontwikkelen en onderhouden elektronica voor uiterst gevoelige en gespecialiseerde meetapparatuur, die essentieel is voor wetenschappelijk onderzoek op het gebied van Nanolithografie, materiaalanalyse en moleculaire systemen.

Working conditions

• Locatie: Amsterdam Science Park, goed bereikbaar met OV en auto
• Fulltime salaris: Max. €5.758,- bruto per maand + 8,33% eindejaarsuitkering en vakantiegeld;
• 42 vakantiedagen (op fulltime basis);
• Mogelijkheid om 40, 36 of 32 uur per week te werken;
• Flexibele werktijden en hybride werken in overleg;
• Duurzaam perspectief: start met een 2-jarig contract, met daarna de mogelijkheid tot een vaste aanstelling;
• Flexibele arbeidsvoorwaarden (AVOM): bijvoorbeeld extra verlofdagen kopen of verkopen en fiscale voordelen;
• Training en ontwikkeling: training on the job en gerichte cursussen;
• Uitstekende pensioenregeling via ABP;
• Actieve personeelsvereniging; kerstlunch, Sinterklaas, zomer BBQ, of een gezellige pubquiz bijvoorbeeld.

More information?
Ben jij onze nieuwe collega? Werk jij graag in een omgeving waar technologische innovatie en wetenschappelijk onderzoek samenkomen? Solliciteer dan direct via de link: INTRIQ

Liever eerst meer informatie? Neem contact op met Sven Karass via +31 (0)6 820 93 228 of sven@intriq.nl

Application
Solliciteer direct via INTRIQ

Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code
AMOLF and ARCNL are 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.

PhD-student: Physical Learning in Dynamical Systems

Work Activities
We are seeking a motivated PhD student to join our learning machines group at AMOLF and work on the theory of learning in dynamical physical systems, as part of an ERC Starting Grant project on Physical Learning in Dynamical Systems (PhyLDS).

Learning is often viewed as a computational process that takes place in brains or computers. Yet many physical systems, from biological networks to adaptive materials, continuously modify their behavior based on past experience. Despite the ubiquity of such adaptive phenomena, physics still lacks a general understanding of how learning emerges in dynamical systems that operate far from equilibrium.

In this project, we will develop a new theoretical framework for learning in physical systems with time-dependent dynamics. Unlike conventional machine learning algorithms, these systems learn through local interactions and physical feedback, without centralized optimization or backpropagation. We will investigate how learning is constrained by locality, causality, non-reciprocity, and dissipation, and how these constraints shape the ability of matter to learn.

The project combines analytical theory with large-scale numerical simulations. We will study diverse classes of adaptive dynamical networks, including flow networks, mechanical networks, and neuronal systems. A central goal is to identify the physical principles that govern learning in these systems, including scaling laws, phase diagrams, and fundamental limits.

The PhD student will contribute to:

• Developing local learning rules for dynamical physical systems;
• Comparing physical learning approaches to idealized gradient-based methods;
• Investigating when and why physical learning succeeds or fails;
• Exploring the role of feedback, non-equilibrium dynamics, and task complexity in learning;
• Developing efficient simulation tools for adaptive dynamical networks;
• Identifying scaling laws, phase boundaries, and universal features of learning in matter.

The project offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of condensed matter physics, non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, complex systems, machine learning, and biological physics. The successful candidate will help establish a new physics of adaptive matter and contribute to a growing international research effort aimed at understanding learning as a physical phenomenon.

For more information about our work, see:

[1] Stern and Murugan, Learning without neurons in physical systems, Ann Rev Cond Matt Phys 14, 417 (2023)

[2] Stern, Hexner, Rocks and Liu, Supervised learning in physical networks: From machine learning to learning machines, Phys. Rev. X 11, 021045 (2021)

[3] Stern, Frim, Candás, Liu and Balasubramanian, Contrastive learning in tunable dynamical system, arXiv:2603.26969 (2026)

Qualifications
We seek candidates with a strong background in physics, mechanical engineering, materials science, or computer science with an interest in learning theory, broadly defined, condensed matter and complex systems. Excellent candidates with training in any area of science or engineering will be considered. PhD candidates must meet the requirements for an MSc degree. Good verbal and written communication skills in English are required. Other advantageous qualities include experience with coding (Python\Matlab) and numerical methods, as well as familiarity with concepts in complex dynamical systems, physical memories or machine learning. We strongly believe in the benefits of an inclusive and diverse research environment, and welcome applicants with any background.

Work environment
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

The Learning Machines group is a new group at AMOLF, led by Menachem (Nachi) Stern, and focuses on the development of fundamental understanding and theories regarding learning, from a physical perspective, under real world constraints.

Our group members work closely together with extensive support from the group leader and AMOLF resources in all aspects of design, realization, and interpretation of computational models of physical learning systems. We have a strong focus on stimulating development of students in all professional aspects, as well as collaborations with other researchers at our institute and beyond. Moreover, we work closely together with international groups and companies.

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 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
• The starting salary is 3.115 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 a Dutch University.
• Several courses are offered, specially developed for PhD-students.
• AMOLF 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:

Dr. Menachem Stern

E-mail: stern@amolf.nl

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

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: Physical Learning in Dynamical Systems

Work Activities
We are seeking a motivated PhD student to join our learning machines group at AMOLF and work on the theory of learning in dynamical physical systems, as part of an ERC Starting Grant project on Physical Learning in Dynamical Systems (PhyLDS).

Learning is often viewed as a computational process that takes place in brains or computers. Yet many physical systems, from biological networks to adaptive materials, continuously modify their behavior based on past experience. Despite the ubiquity of such adaptive phenomena, physics still lacks a general understanding of how learning emerges in dynamical systems that operate far from equilibrium.

In this project, we will develop a new theoretical framework for learning in physical systems with time-dependent dynamics. Unlike conventional machine learning algorithms, these systems learn through local interactions and physical feedback, without centralized optimization or backpropagation. We will investigate how learning is constrained by locality, causality, non-reciprocity, and dissipation, and how these constraints shape the ability of matter to learn.

The project combines analytical theory with large-scale numerical simulations. We will study diverse classes of adaptive dynamical networks, including flow networks, mechanical networks, and neuronal systems. A central goal is to identify the physical principles that govern learning in these systems, including scaling laws, phase diagrams, and fundamental limits.

The PhD student will contribute to:

• Developing local learning rules for dynamical physical systems;
• Comparing physical learning approaches to idealized gradient-based methods;
• Investigating when and why physical learning succeeds or fails;
• Exploring the role of feedback, non-equilibrium dynamics, and task complexity in learning;
• Developing efficient simulation tools for adaptive dynamical networks;
• Identifying scaling laws, phase boundaries, and universal features of learning in matter.

The project offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of condensed matter physics, non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, complex systems, machine learning, and biological physics. The successful candidate will help establish a new physics of adaptive matter and contribute to a growing international research effort aimed at understanding learning as a physical phenomenon.

For more information about our work, see:

[1] Stern and Murugan, Learning without neurons in physical systems, Ann Rev Cond Matt Phys 14, 417 (2023)

[2] Stern, Hexner, Rocks and Liu, Supervised learning in physical networks: From machine learning to learning machines, Phys. Rev. X 11, 021045 (2021)

[3] Stern, Frim, Candás, Liu and Balasubramanian, Contrastive learning in tunable dynamical system, arXiv:2603.26969 (2026)

Qualifications
We seek candidates with a strong background in physics, mechanical engineering, materials science, or computer science with an interest in learning theory, broadly defined, condensed matter and complex systems. Excellent candidates with training in any area of science or engineering will be considered. PhD candidates must meet the requirements for an MSc degree. Good verbal and written communication skills in English are required. Other advantageous qualities include experience with coding (Python\Matlab) and numerical methods, as well as familiarity with concepts in complex dynamical systems, physical memories or machine learning. We strongly believe in the benefits of an inclusive and diverse research environment, and welcome applicants with any background.

Work environment
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

The Learning Machines group is a new group at AMOLF, led by Menachem (Nachi) Stern, and focuses on the development of fundamental understanding and theories regarding learning, from a physical perspective, under real world constraints.

Our group members work closely together with extensive support from the group leader and AMOLF resources in all aspects of design, realization, and interpretation of computational models of physical learning systems. We have a strong focus on stimulating development of students in all professional aspects, as well as collaborations with other researchers at our institute and beyond. Moreover, we work closely together with international groups and companies.

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 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
• The starting salary is 3.115 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 a Dutch University.
• Several courses are offered, specially developed for PhD-students.
• AMOLF 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:

Dr. Menachem Stern

E-mail: stern@amolf.nl

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

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.