Optical nanoscopy is a super-resolution microscopy technique to study subcellular structures and function via specifically targeted fluorescent labels in molecular biology. Localisation microscopy in particular offers a much better resolution (~10-50 nm) than conventional diffraction limited microscopy (~250 nm). This project aims at shifting the resolution obtainable in an optical light microscope even further towards 1 nm.

The researcher will work in a team of experimentalists and theorists who share the common goal to imaging at the nanometer scale. She/he will work at the intersection of the team designing, performing experiments and develop modelling for data analysis. In order to achieve very high spatial resolutions from single molecule emitters the wavefront of the light must not be disturbed by optical aberrations. In reality such aberrations are always present, but only at our targeted high resolution at cryogenic temperatures, do they play a crucial role. Therefore the candidate will develop adaptive optics instrumentation and algorithms to measure the wavefront distortion and subsequently correct the distortions. We will use spatial light modulators to shape the wavefront.

The candidate must hold a MSc. degree in Physics and must have a background in experimental physics using high-end technical equipment with a track record in measuring, analysing and comparing data to model predications. Experience with microscopy, optics, fluorescence and/or simulation packages is beneficial but not required.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The 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 child care 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.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit graduateschool.tudelft.nl/ for more information.

For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Bernd Rieger, phone: +31 (0)15-2788574, e-mail: B.Rieger@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail
1) a letter of motivation (generic letters will be disregarded), 2) a detailed CV, 3) a BSc and MSc grade list. Please e-mail your application by 20 December 2017 to Ms. Annelies van Beek, secr-qi-tnw@tudelft.nl.
When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number TNWIP17-033.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (the 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. The TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At the TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. The TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

http://www.tudelft.nl

Applied Sciences

The position is in the Department of Imaging Physics of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. This department performs cutting-edge research spanning the range from understanding the basic principles underlying imaging technology to automated image analysis.

The Ph.D. student will work under the guidance of Bernd Rieger and Sjoerd Stallinga who are leading a prominent international research activity in the field of optical nanoscopy. They focus especially on computational microscopy that is the intersection between the fundamentals and engineering of optical imaging systems and image processing algorithms