PhD in Optical Characterization and Photonic Performance Analysis of Liquid Crystal Polymer Coatings

Introduction
We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to study the optical and photonic performance of advanced liquid crystal polymer coatings for one-way transparency, adaptive camouflage, and smart optical interfaces. The position is embedded in the research group of Dr. Stefan Meskers at Eindhoven University of Technology and is part of the project TactVision: The Liquid Crystal Polymer Invisibility Cloak.
The project develops liquid crystal polymer coatings that can selectively control the direction, wavelength, and polarization of reflected and transmitted light. These materials are designed for optical systems in which projected information is visible to the user while remaining hidden from external observers. They also include switchable photonic coatings that can adapt their colour, reflectance, or camouflage response under external stimuli.
This PhD project will focus on the advanced optical characterization, modelling-supported interpretation, and performance benchmarking of these coatings. You will quantify how the materials reflect, transmit, polarize, scatter, and guide light under different viewing angles, wavelengths, environmental conditions, and device configurations. Your work will provide the key feedback loop between material development, optical modelling, and prototype integration.

Job Description
You will:

• characterize one-way transparent cholesteric liquid crystal polymer films and switchable photonic coatings;
• measure angle-dependent reflection, transmission, haze, scattering, polarization selectivity, and spectral bandwidth;
• perform UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, polarized optical microscopy, ellipsometry, Mueller matrix analysis, and imaging-based optical measurements;
• evaluate RGB projection quality, image contrast, colour fidelity, modulation transfer, and stray-light suppression;
• study optical performance under external stimuli such as humidity, temperature, electric fields, bending, and repeated switching cycles;
• develop standardized measurement protocols for optical alignment, sample handling, measurement geometry, and data reporting;
• collaborate with researchers working on material synthesis, coating fabrication, simulations, and device integration;
• contribute to the optical validation of demonstrator devices such as smart visors, AR glasses, and privacy-protective optical displays;
• publish results in scientific journals and present your work at international conferences.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in the area below.
• We are looking for a candidate with a background in one or more of the following fields:
  
  • applied physics;
  • optics or photonics;
  • materials science;
  • physical chemistry;
  • electrical engineering;
  • optical engineering;
  • display technology;
  • soft matter or liquid crystal science.
• Experience with spectroscopy, polarization optics, ellipsometry, optical microscopy, imaging systems, liquid crystals, photonic materials, or display characterization is an advantage. The ideal candidate enjoys precise experimental work, quantitative data analysis, and collaboration across materials science, optics, and device engineering.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881 gross per month).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry bridges science and engineering to create sustainable solutions for society. By combining expertise in molecules, materials, and processes, we drive innovations that address global challenges in energy, circularity, health and future technology. Through world-class research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong industry partnerships, we educate engineers and scientists who turn scientific discoveries into technologies with lasting societal impact. Together, we create chemistry for a better world.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr. Stefan Meskers, s.c.j.meskers@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Eveline de Vetter, HR Advisor HRadvice.Chemistry@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

PhD in Device Integration of One-Way Transparent Optical Films for AR and Smart Visor Demonstrators

Introduction
We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate to integrate one-way transparent liquid crystal polymer films into functional optical demonstrators. The position is embedded in the research group of Dr. Danqing Liu at Eindhoven University of Technology and is part of the project TactVision: The Liquid Crystal Polymer Invisibility Cloak.
The project develops advanced liquid crystal polymer coatings that allow projected information to be visible from one side while remaining hidden from the opposite side. These films can enable new optical interfaces for augmented reality glasses, smart visors, privacy-protective displays, and adaptive photonic devices. This PhD project will focus on the transition from material films to working devices.
You will develop methods to integrate one-way transparent films onto curved, transparent substrates and AR-style optical components. This includes lamination, encapsulation, optical alignment, mechanical packaging, durability testing, and prototype construction. The final goal is to build functional demonstrators in which projected images are visible to the user while outward light leakage is minimized.

Job Description
You will:

• integrate liquid crystal polymer optical films onto transparent substrates, visors, and AR-type display components;
• develop lamination, bonding, encapsulation, and packaging strategies that preserve optical performance;
• align projection optics with cholesteric reflection bands to optimize image brightness, contrast, colour fidelity, and viewing comfort;
• evaluate device-level performance, including one-way visibility, outward light suppression, transparency, haze, angular response, and image quality;
• design and build demonstrator devices combining optical films with micro-projectors, micro-LEDs, waveguides, or other compact display modules;
• perform environmental and mechanical testing, including bending, abrasion, humidity exposure, thermal cycling, and long-term stability;
• collaborate with materials researchers developing the films and with optical/perception experts evaluating performance;
• support translation toward scalable, manufacturable optical devices.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in the area below.
• We are looking for a candidate with a background in one or more of the following areas:
• materials science;
  
  • mechanical engineering;
  • electrical engineering;
  • applied physics;
  • optics or photonics;
  • display technology;
  • microsystems engineering;
  • product-oriented prototyping.
• Experience with optical systems, AR/VR hardware, thin-film integration, lamination, flexible electronics, micro-LEDs, waveguides, CAD design, mechanical testing, or prototype development is highly welcome. The ideal candidate enjoys building devices, solving practical integration challenges, and working closely with both materials scientists and engineers.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881 gross per month).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry bridges science and engineering to create sustainable solutions for society. By combining expertise in molecules, materials, and processes, we drive innovations that address global challenges in energy, circularity, health and future technology. Through world-class research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong industry partnerships, we educate engineers and scientists who turn scientific discoveries into technologies with lasting societal impact. Together, we create chemistry for a better world.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Danqing Liu, danqing.liu@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Eveline de Vetter, HR Advisor HRadvice.Chemistry@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

PhD in One-Way Transparent Liquid Crystal Polymer Films for Optical Interfaces

Introduction
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to develop next-generation one-way transparent optical films based on liquid crystal polymer technology. The position is embedded in the research group of Dr. Danqing Liu at Eindhoven University of Technology and is part of the project TactVision: The Liquid Crystal Polymer Invisibility Cloak.
Modern optical systems, including augmented reality glasses, visors, head-mounted displays, and smart optical interfaces, require materials that can guide light selectively: information should be visible to the user, while remaining hidden from outside observers. This project addresses this challenge by developing cholesteric liquid crystal polymer coatings that selectively reflect projected light toward the user while maintaining high transparency from the opposite side.
The PhD project will focus on the molecular design, formulation, fabrication, and optical optimization of one-way transparent films. You will work with reactive liquid crystal mesogens, chiral dopants, photo-alignment methods, and multilayer polymer architectures. The goal is to create thin, transparent, robust films that can selectively reflect red, green, and blue light in controlled directions, enabling privacy-preserving and stealth-compatible optical displays.

Job Description
You will:

• design and formulate cholesteric liquid crystal polymer systems for one-way transparency;
• fabricate thin optical coatings using photo-alignment, spin coating, blade coating, lamination, and photopolymerization;
• develop multilayer RGB-selective films with controlled pitch, handedness, bandwidth, and angular response;
• characterize liquid crystal phase behaviour, molecular alignment, pitch uniformity, and film morphology;
• optimize optical performance, including transparency, reflectance, haze, polarization selectivity, colour fidelity, and viewing-angle stability;
• collaborate with experts in optical characterization, modelling, device integration, and perception studies;
• translate material-level insights into design rules for scalable one-way transparent films;
• publish scientific papers and present results at international conferences.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in the areas below.
• We are looking for a candidate with a background in one or more of the following areas:
  
  • materials science;
  • chemical engineering;
  • polymer chemistry;
  • physical chemistry;
  • liquid crystals;
  • soft matter;
  • optics or photonics;
  • coating technology.
• Experience with liquid crystal materials, polymer networks, optical coatings, photopolymerization, microscopy, spectroscopy, thin-film processing, or cleanroom-based fabrication is an advantage. The ideal candidate enjoys hands-on experimental research, is precise in materials preparation, and is motivated to work at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and optics.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881 gross per month).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry bridges science and engineering to create sustainable solutions for society. By combining expertise in molecules, materials, and processes, we drive innovations that address global challenges in energy, circularity, health and future technology. Through world-class research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong industry partnerships, we educate engineers and scientists who turn scientific discoveries into technologies with lasting societal impact. Together, we create chemistry for a better world.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Danqing Liu, danqing.liu@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Eveline de Vetter, HR Advisor HRadvice.Chemistry@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

PhD in Explainability and Humans in the Loop in Optimization Processes

Introduction
Are you passionate about human-centric AI and explainable decision-making? Are you intrigued by the role of human expertise in complex optimization? This PhD position focuses on bringing humans into the loop of optimization processes, with the goal of improving decision quality and transparency through explainable AI. You’ll investigate how domain knowledge from human decision-makers can be formalized and effectively integrated into different stages of optimization, both as priors and as feedback after optimization outcomes.

Job Description
This PhD project is a part of the CoRDS project – Confident Data-Driven Decision Support (https://www.cords-dn.at). CoRDS is a large-scale Doctoral Network, funded by the European Union under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks programme Grant Agreement No. 101227512. It brings together 8 European universities and 14 societal partners in an ambitious interdisciplinary collaboration. Our shared mission is to advance the research on data-driven optimization methods and train a new generation of experts skilled in the combination of Operation Research and trustworthy Machine Learning. CoRDS goes beyond the state-of-the-art DDO methods by proposing decision support frameworks that combine OR and ML methods and enable robust, transparent, and fair solutions that reflect user preferences and address complex, uncertain real-world scenarios.

This PhD position belongs to the work package WP6: Transparency. As part of this doctoral project, you will develop novel knowledge representation techniques, algorithms for human-in-the-loop optimization, and interactive tools that combine graphical and natural language interfaces to gather and incorporate expert knowledge. A central research question is how human mental models of an optimization problem align or conflict with what optimization algorithms need, and how explanations can mediate that gap across the full optimization cycle.

Objectives
(1) Characterize the types of domain knowledge that human decision-makers hold about optimization problems, and formalize a representation that is both computationally tractable and interpretable by non-technical experts.
(2) Develop a bidirectional HITL framework where explanations mediate knowledge injection before optimization and feedback integration after, with explicit models of when and how human input should be weighted against algorithmic outputs.
(3) Evaluate the framework on trust calibration, knowledge elicitation consistency, and solution quality across at least two optimization domains and two human roles, studying whether explanations help humans decide when to intervene versus when to defer to the algorithm.
(4) Investigate the generalization of the proposed methods across optimization problem classes, and characterize the conditions under which human-in-the-loop interaction improves or degrades solution quality.

Expected Results
(1) A typology of domain knowledge types relevant to optimization settings, accompanied by a knowledge representation formalism that is feasible to integrate with optimization algorithms at different stages of the solving process.
(2) A set of algorithms for integrating domain knowledge before optimization as priors and after optimization in the form of structured expert feedback, with theoretical and empirical analysis of the conditions under which each integration mode is most beneficial.
(3) A validation framework assessing the internal consistency of elicited knowledge, the fidelity and utility of generated explanations, and the trade-off between solution optimality and human acceptance across different problem settings and user profiles.
(4) A tool with an interface combining graphical and natural language interaction to gather domain constraints and expert feedback in a structured way, tested across at least two domains and validated with users from different roles.

This position will be based in the Information Systems (IS) Group at the Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). The candidate will be supervised by Dr. Isel Grau and Dr. Yingqian Zhang (from TU/e). As part of the project you will also take part in two secondments, one at a industry partner, where you will test early prototypes in real logistic scenarios, and another at the University of Vienna, where you will collaborate with other PIs and PhDs of the project.

Note: Strong applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to apply early and not wait for the deadline.

Job Requirements

• A Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A motivated candidate with a research-driven mindset and a genuine interest in advancing human-centric AI for real-world decision support, in close collaboration with industry.
• Strong skills in machine learning, explainable AI, and programming, with experience in optimization methods or a strong motivation to develop it.
• Preferably with a background or demonstrated interest in human-computer interaction, cognitive aspects of decision-making, or user studies involving domain experts.
• Familiarity with or strong motivation to develop skills in experimental evaluation methods, including user studies, expert elicitation, and empirical assessment of AI systems.
• Experience with or strong interest in building conversational agents or dialogue interfaces, including working with large language models, prompt engineering, and natural language generation for interactive applications.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team spanning operations research, machine learning, and human factors.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881 gross per month).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences (IE&IS) department combines disciplinary knowledge from the humanities, social sciences and technical sciences to solve the complex problems of industries and society. We collaboratively focus on and create responsible and effective innovations for the research themes: Humans and Technology, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability and Circularity, and Value of Data-Driven Intelligence.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Isel Grau (i.d.c.grau.garcia@tue.nl), or Yingqian Zhang (YQZhang@tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services (HRServices.IEIS@tue.nl).

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

PhD Position Projection System for TE Imaging in Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

Job description

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is one of the most widely used imaging tools in nanoscience, materials research, semiconductor manufacturing, and the life sciences. Despite its wide applications and accessibility, the highest spatial resolution is still obtained through transmission electron (TE) imaging, which can only be done through a large, expensive, and highly specialized (Scanning) Transmission Electron Microscopes ((S)TEM). The aim of this project is to "democratize" this imaging technique by bringing transformative TE techniques, including electron diffraction, low-energy STEM, and phase-contrast imaging, to compact, affordable, and widely accessible SEM platforms.

As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you will work closely with our industrial partner Delmic, a world-leading company in correlative and multimodal microscopy, to develop a proof-of-concept transmission electron projection column based on miniaturized electron-optical components. The ambition is to create a compact, cost-effective projection system that can be integrated into conventional SEMs, enabling high-resolution transmission imaging alongside complementary modalities such as light microscopy, cathodoluminescence, and focused ion beam processing. By combining the strengths of multiple imaging techniques within a single instrument, this technology has the potential to significantly expand the capabilities and accessibility of electron microscopy.

Working at the intersection of electron optics, MEMS technology, microscopy instrumentation, and imaging physics, you will design, simulate, fabricate, and experimentally validate a novel MEMS-based transmission electron projection column integrated inside an SEM. The project combines theoretical modelling, numerical simulations, hardware development, precision engineering, and experimental validation, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation electron microscopy instrumentation.

The four-year research programme is organized into three main phases. During the first phase, you will develop analytical and numerical models describing the electron optics of the projection column and optimize its performance through large-scale simulations. You will use commercial electron-optical simulation software but also develop custom Python-based modelling tools developed within the project. Your research will be supported by access to DelftBlue, TU Delft's state-of-the-art high-performance computing infrastructure, enabling computationally intensive simulations and optimization. In the second phase, you will work closely with our experienced technical staff to design and realize the electron-optical components. Depending on the final design, these components will be fabricated using advanced MEMS technology, high-precision machining, or a combination of both. You will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art microfabrication and cleanroom facilities, while also contributing to the development of the associated electronics, vacuum hardware, and experimental instrumentation required for the prototype. The final phase focuses on assembling, testing, and validating the prototype inside an SEM. You will compare experimental measurements with numerical predictions to validate the physical models and further optimize the instrument design.

Throughout the project, you will work closely with researchers at TU Delft and engineers at Delmic, with opportunities for regular interaction and knowledge exchange between academia and industry. As part of your PhD, you will publish your findings in leading international journals, present your work at major scientific conferences, and contribute to the supervision of BSc and MSc students through laboratory work, tutorials, and research projects.

You will join "the Gheidari Lab" part of the Microscopy Instrumentation and Techniques (MInT) Group within the Department of Imaging Physics at TU Delft.

Job requirements
You are a highly motivated researcher with a strong interest in electron optics, instrumentation development, and computational modelling, eager to bridge simulation and experiment to realize next-generation electron microscopy systems. You enjoy working at the interface of fundamental research and industrial innovation, collaborating with both academic and industrial partners to achieve tangible results. Embracing the opportunity to work with leading industrial partners, you know how to collaborate and achieve meaningful results geared to the development of pragmatic applications. You also put your curiosity to good use: you don’t take anomalies for granted and take the initiative to dig deeper and spar with experts. Harnessing your communication skills, you convince colleagues at TU Delft and Delmic of your approach, models and programs. And you enjoy interacting with and coaching talented bachelor and master students, while expanding your own knowledge and competencies.

You also have:

• An MSc degree in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Demonstrable skills in numerical modeling, simulation, and data analysis.
• A solid understanding of Physics, Optics, Electron Optics, MEMS, exeprimenntal physics and microscopy systems.
• A proactive and curious mindset, with the ability to explore complex problems independently and collaboratively.
• A good command of spoken and written English, as you’ll be working in an internationally diverse community. You will also write scientific articles and your dissertation in English and participate in English-taught courses.
• An enthusiasm for coaching bachelor and master students, and for presenting your work in scientific articles and international conferences.

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

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Applied Sciences
With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

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