The Kavli Institute of Nanoscience at Delft University of Technology invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher (1 year position) developing hydrogen sensors using heterostructures of transition metal oxides (complex oxides).

Project description

Hydrogen will be a key element of our future decarbonised economy as a sustainable energy vector. As a large majority of European electric power generation will be provided by renewable energy sources, we will face unprecedented challenges, such as developing hydrogen sensing elements with demanding performance targets.

This project will focus on developing resistive hydrogen sensor prototypes where the active sensing material is WO3 deposited by pulsed laser deposition as thin film. The sensing elements will be interfaced to a CMOS integrated circuit, with the aim to realize a portable hydrogen sensor. The research will aim at understanding the physics between the sensing mechanism and on optimization of the sensor for maximum sensitivity, response time and dynamic range. The goal is to achieve a proof-of-concept test of the sensor in realistic scenarios.

You will be working closely with a team of researchers engaging with frontier problems in condensed matter physics and nanomechanics, making a strong connection between fundamental scientific results and industrial applications with societal relevance. The project will be supervised by Andrea Caviglia (Quantum Nanoscience department, TU Delft) in close collaboration with Peter Steeneken (Dynamics of Micro and Nanosystems, Precision and Microsystems Engineering).   

We are seeking a motivated individual with:

• A PhD in Material Science, Condensed Matter Physics, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a closely related area
• Experience with material synthesis, cleanroom fabrication, thin films and/or sensors.

Previous experience with pulsed laser deposition of complex oxides and or resistive sensors developments is desirable.    

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is the largest faculty of TU Delft, with around 550 scientists, a support staff of 250 and 1,800 students. The faculty conducts fundamental, application-oriented research and offers scientific education at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. The faculty is active in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Applied Physics.

The Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft is a quality-driven, intellectually stimulating institute with a broad scope of research in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The emphasis in our research, which ranges from single-molecule biophysics to quantum information processing of nanoscale devices, is on novel concepts and fundamental breakthroughs. The Institute has state-of-the-art general facilities, most notably for nanofabrication in the Kavli Nanolab Delft. The Kavli Institute of Nanoscience consists of two departments, both also part of the Faculty of Applied Sciences at Delft University of Technology: The Department of Quantum Nanoscience, and the Department of Bionanoscience.    

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/faculty-of-applied-sciences