Are you interested in conducting advanced thin film physics research on a most exciting application? We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled PhD researcher to work on the physics of thin layers for XUV optics. This optics basically consist of optical stacks of films of nanoscale thickness and come in reflective and transmissive types. The physics and chemistry of these thin film systems need to be controlled with atomic precision. The aim of our research group is to develop the physics solutions for these tasks, such that new applications can be realized. These range from multi-layered optics engineered to show near-theoretical XUV reflectivity, to highly transparent, few tens of nanometer thin membranes which are robust enough to withstand high XUV power levels. These processes require new types of diagnostics with adequate resolution to film thickness and high sensitivity to chemical state. The XUV Optics Group at Twente has started a new multidisciplinary research programme on these topics. We develop forefront fundamental research, relevant to high tech applications. The research will take place in a state-of-the-art thin film laboratory within the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology at the University of Twente, in collaboration with various industrial partners. 

Challenge Your goal is to develop the key material science required for XUV optical systems based on nanoscale-thin films. In particular the task is to advance the
Surface and subsurface compositional analysis of thin films using Low Energy Ion Scattering

Low Energy Ion Scattering (LEIS) is a surface analysis technique that represents a very powerful tool for compositional characterization of surfaces and interfaces of thin films. LEIS spectra contain information on surface and subsurface composition of thin films, which are separated in both intensity and energy. The information depth of LEIS analysis is the topmost atomic layer, which enables a whole new field of in-situ studies on surface compositional changes during thin film growth. A state-of-the-art setup is available in the thin film laboratory at Twente through a vacuum connection of a LEIS analysis system with an UHV deposition set-up. Foreseen are exciting physical phenomena through a dedicated study on understanding the features of LEIS spectra. The aim is to explore thin film phenomena in detail and to advance the LEIS analysis. The tasks will include the design of the experiment and model samples, fabrication of these with magnetron sputtering, and their characterization with LEIS and complimentary surface science techniques, as well as further constructing (semi-)empirical models based on the knowledge obtained.

• You have a Master’s degree in solid state or surface physics, materials science,  or a related field.
• You have experience with data analysis in Matlab or Python, and are willing to improve your skills in depth.
• You enjoy experimental physics and have affinity with the realization of physical of nanoscale thin films  and their structural analysis.
• You are an excellent team player that wants to join an enthusiastic group of scientists and engineers working on a common theme. 
• You are creative, like to push boundaries, and are highly motivated to address a major science challenge in thin film physics.
• You are fluent in English and able to collaborate intensively with industrial and academic parties in regular meetings and work visits.
  
  

INFORMATION AND APPLICATION

Your reaction should include an application/motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation, a detailed CV, a publication list, contact details of referees, and an academic transcript of B.Sc. and M.Sc. education. An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection procedure. Please apply via the provided button below. 

For more information about the position, you are encouraged to contact Dr. Andrey Zameshin at a.zameshin@utwente.nl and Dr. Andrey Yakshin at a.yakshin@utwente.nl.

You will be appointed on a fulltime position for four years. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in a stimulating scientific environment. The PhD salary is € 2.325 in the first year and increases to € 2.972 in the fourth year. The offer further involves: a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%, a solid pension scheme, a minimum of 29 holidays, and numerous professional and personal development programmes.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

Within the TNW Faculty (Faculty of Science & Technology) of the University of Twente some 700 staff members and 2000 students are involved in training and research on the interface of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. Research, which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centra and Digital Society Institute. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.