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

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.

Lab technician

Work Activities
As a laboratory assistant in the Living Systems Center, you will perform a broad range of molecular biology / biochemical laboratory work in an interdisciplinary, academic environment. You will become part of a vibrant group of young researchers consisting of master's students, PhD students, postdocs and other technicians in the Living Systems Center. We work together to understand living systems at different scales; from single molecules to cells and even multicellular systems such as organoids and whole organisms.

This position is associated with the Physics of Behavior group. This group investigates how cells (such as E. coli bacteria) and mutlicellular organisms (such as symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi) perceive their environment and control their behavior, using microscopy, genetics, and increasingly robotics / machine learning.

Your main duties will be:

• Performing molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, DNA isolation, sequence analysis and cloning;
• Strain construction in bacteria (E. coli) using homologous recombination techniques;
• Growth and maintenance of biological samples (especially plant-mycorrhizal symbiotic cultures) for robotic experiments;
• Developing, and maintaining a biological sample database for robotic experiments;
• Monitoring and management tasks associated with biological data production in the group;

Carrying out general lab work and organization, together with the bio-technician team, such as cell culture, cloning, etc.; advising lab users on safe working practices in collaboration with the biological safety officer (BVF), and organizing the lab stock.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this position:

• Has an applied science degree/vocational training (equivalent to Dutch HLO), or related training;
• Has advanced knowledge of molecular biological techniques and experience with wet lab work;
• Has a strong affinity also for management of biological data;
• Is practical and experienced with one or more of the techniques listed above (under main duties);
• Enjoys trouble-shooting protocols and learning new techniques;
• Competently manages multiple assignments simultaneously;
• Works independently, shows initiative and is a team player.
• Can maintain an overview of multiple assignments simultaneously;
• Is an excellent communicator proficient in the English language and at least basic knowledge of the Dutch language;

Desirable : more than 5 years of work experience in a biological laboratory, practical with chromosomal genetics in bacteria (E. coli), and experience managing laboratory databases (for samples, experiments, etc.).

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

Within the Living Systems Center of the NWO Institute AMOLF, four research groups work closely together on fundamental research into the functions of molecular to cellular systems and multi-cellular organisms.

In this position, you will become part of a team of four bio technicians supporting the four groups and you will be linked to the Physics of Behavior group.

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 for - 40 hours per week and an employment contract for two years, with the intention of subsequently offering permanent employment.
• Salary is on scale 7 or 8, with a maximum of € 4.634,00 gross per month (depending on your education and experience), plus a holiday allowance and end-of-year bonus.
• Our excellent fringe benefits can be consulted here. On-the-job training and study facilities are self-evident.

More information?
More information about the position can be obtained from;

Prof. Dr. Tom Shimizu

Group Leader Physics of Behavior

Email: shimizu@amolf.nl

Application
Does this job seem like something for you? Then apply before January 23, 2026 using the button below.

Online screening may be part of the application process.

AMOLF attaches great importance to an inclusive and diverse work environment. Therefore, we warmly encourage candidates from any background to apply.

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

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.

Laboratoriumassistent

Work Activities
Als laboratoriumassistent in de Living Systems Center, werk je als lid van een team van technici in een interdisciplinaire academische omgeving en zal je veelzijdig moleculairbiologisch laboratoriumwerk uitvoeren. Je wordt deel van de levendige groep van jonge onderzoekers, bestaande uit PhD- en masterstudenten, postdocs en technici in het Living Systems Center. We werken samen om met nieuwe experimenten levende systemen op vele schalen te begrijpen: van enkele moleculen tot cellen, van meercellige systemen zoals organoïden tot het gedrag van hele organismen.

Deze positie is gekoppeld aan de groep Physics of Behavior: deze groep doet onderzoek naar hoe cellen (e.g. E. coli bacteria) en organismen (e.g. symbiotische mycorrhiza-schimmels) hun omgeving waarnemen en hun gedrag beheersen, met microscopie, genetica, en steeds meer robotica / machine learning.

Je voornaamste taken zullen zijn, het:

• Uitvoeren van moleculairbiologische technieken, zoals PCR, DNA-isolatie en -analyse en cloneren;
• Stamconstructie in bacteriën (E. coli) met technieken zoals homologe recombinatietechnieken;
• Het kweken en onderhouden van biologische samples (met name plant-mycorrhiza-symbiotische culturen) voor robotexperimenten;
• Het ontwikkelen en onderhouden van een database met biologische samples voor robotexperimenten;
• Monitoring en beheertaken met betrekking tot de productie van biologische gegevens binnen de groep;
• Uitvoeren van algemene labwerkzaamheden en –organisatie, samen met het bio-technici team, zoals celkweek, klonen etc.; het adviseren van de lab gebruikers over veilig werken in samenwerking met de biologische velligheidsfunctionaris (BVF), en het organiseren van de lab voorraad.

Qualifications
De ideale kandidaat voor deze functie:

• Heeft een afgeronde opleiding HLO, of gelijkwaardig hieraan;
• Heeft geavanceerde kennis van moleculair-biologische technieken en ervaring met laboratoriumwerk;
• Heeft ook een sterke affiniteit met het beheren van biologische gegevens;
• Is praktisch ingesteld en ervaren met een of meer van het uitvoeren van genoemde technieken;
• Kan het overzicht over meerdere opdrachten tegelijk bewaren.
• Is flexibel, enthousiast, toont initiatief en werkt zelfstandig;
• Heeft goede sociale en communicatieve eigenschappen;
• Is een uitstekende communicator met beheersing van de Engelse taal en ten minste basiskennis van de Nederlandse taal;
• Gewenst: meer dan 5 jaar werkervaring in een biologisch laboratorium, praktisch ingesteld met chromosomale genetica in bacteriën (E. coli), en ervaring met het beheren van laboratoriumdatabases (voor samples, experimenten, enz.)..

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

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. Training on the job en studiefaciliteiten zijn vanzelfsprekend.
• Inschaling vindt, afhankelijk van relevante kennis en ervaring, plaats in schaal 7 of 8 ; maximaal € 4.634,= bruto per jaar.
• Het betreft een voltijds dienstverband van twee jaar met de intentie van een aansluitend vast dienstverband.

More information?
Meer informatie over deze functie kan je primair inwinnen bij;

Prof. Dr. Tom Shimizu

Group Leader Physics of Behavior

Email: shimizu@amolf.nl

Application
Lijkt deze baan iets voor jou? Solliciteer dan vóór 23 januari 2026 via onderstaande knop.

Online screening kan deel uitmaken van de sollicitatieprocedure.

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.