Computational imaging is a promising new approach for microscopy, as it has the potential to increase the imaging performance beyond the limitations introduced by optical components. Computational imaging can, for example, enable (sub-) diffraction-limited performance over wide wavelength ranges, using relatively simple lenses.

As a postdoc, you will explore the use of computational imaging in DHM for high-resolution metrology on patterns that are relevant in nanolithography. You will perform optical experiments, work on improvements of a DHM setup and explore computational imaging that can ultimately offer sub-nm measurement capability that is needed in future metrology systems in the semiconductor industry. Reaching this sub-nm metrology performance is highly challenging and asks for innovative and novel ideas that push the capabilities of computational imaging methods and DHM well beyond their existing boundaries.
In addition to carrying-out your own research program you are also expected to coach and supervise a PhD candidate who is also working on this topic.
You will also collaborate with colleague scientists at ARCNL who explore related topics in the area of nanoscale metrology. Moreover, you are also encouraged to collaborate with researchers from ASML to work towards applications of your research results in nanolithography.

• You have (or will receive in the near future) a PhD in physics with hands-on experience in  experimental (imaging) optics combined with an interest in computational imaging algorithms with metrology applications
• Knowledge of (computational) imaging technology, advanced programming methods and/or semiconductor metrology is considered an advantage
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English are required
   

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The postdoc position is intended as full-time appointment in the service of Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam for the duration of 2 years (initially 12 months and – after positive evaluation – extended to two years). On a full-time basis, the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €2,790 (scale 10) and a maximum of €4,402 (scale 10), depending on your education and experience.

Do you come from abroad?
VU University will assist international candidates with visa applications and ARCNL can assist in finding housing. We offer a contribution towards you transport costs and furnishing expenses. A favorable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.
  You can find information about VU excellent fringe benefits of employment at www.workingatvu.nl like:

• remuneration of 8,3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday allowance
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• a minimum of 29 holidays in case of full-time employment.

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 26,000 students. We employ over 4,600 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students.
 
About the group
The Computational Imaging group at ARCNL has a research activity towards improving the performance of optical metrology tools with computational means. This group focuses on metrology tools that are used in a semiconductor manufacturing environment where sub nanometer metrology precision is required while using wavelengths in the visible and near infrared domain. Specific metrology applications of interest are for example overlay metrology using advanced microscopy techniques. The group collaborates very closely with ASML and the Nanoscale Imaging and Metrology group of ARCNL.

The group houses state-of-the-art lab facilities at the Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL). The Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL) focuses on the fundamental physics and chemistry involved in current and future key technologies in nanolithography, primarily for the semiconductor industry. ARCNL is a public-private partnership between the Dutch Research Council (NWO), the University of Amsterdam (UvA), the VU University Amsterdam (VU) and the semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML. ARCNL is located at the Amsterdam Science Park, The Netherlands, and is currently building up towards a size of approximately 100 scientists and support staff. We offer a dynamic and open environment, and aim to provide the optimum conditions for young scientists to do exciting research leading to high-impact results, which focus on fundamental physics and chemistry challenges, and might also have direct technological relevance. See also www.arcnl.nl.