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 as an experimentalist designing and performing experiments with cryo fluorescent microscopy. In order to achieve very high spatial resolutions from single molecule emitters in 3D will be use a so-called 4pi setup with two opposing objectives. In addition 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 incorporate adaptive optics instrumentation and algorithms to measure the wavefront distortion and subsequently correct the distortions. 

The candidate must hold a Ph.D. degree in Physics and must have a strong track record in experimental physics building high-end optical equipment such as microscopes. Experience with optical design software, alignment of optical setups, automation of acquisition devices (via labview, python or similar) is expected. Experience with single molecule fluorescence, cryogenic and vacuum equipment is beneficial but not required.   

Fixed-term contract: 2 or 3 years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

Duration of the contract: 2 or 3 years

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 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 train 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 and science communicators.

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

Department
Research in the department of Imaging Physics is aimed at developing novel instrumentation and methodology in imaging science and sensing technology. Our research products extend existing boundaries in terms of spatial resolution, temporal resolution and information/data throughput. We are pioneers in developing advanced concepts of computational imaging, a marriage between cleverly designed imaging systems and sophisticated post-processing. In everything we do, there is a core of cutting-edge physics and engineering of high-tech instruments, of the use of the most advanced computing techniques, and of a very close link to real-life applications. Our work has clear societal impact in the areas of life sciences, healthcare, and industry.