3 open PhD Students for Optics/Photonics and Optical Design

The research program “Free-form Scattering Optics” enables high-tech optical devices that contribute to energy efficacy, climate change, internet-of-things, food and water quality and quantity, and security, in the interest of rendering the unstoppable worldwide urbanization sustainable. Currently, high-tech industry is developing a surge of novel devices that combine light scattering with free-formed optics, such as LED lighting, miniaturized satellites, metrology equipment for semiconductor industry and optically secured bank cards. Due to a lack of fundamental know-how on the combination of the technologies, the devices are being designed by educated guesses, which limits progress and applications. Free-form scattering optics will unite traditionally distinct technologies with a hierarchy of length scales ranging from the microscopic (nanometers) to the macroscopic (centimeters). We develop insights, design rules, and new architectures for free-form scattering optics that allow to create breakthroughs in several domains as described above simultaneously. The program directly taps into the strengths of high-tech industry, enhances the knowledge infrastructure, develops new networks of expertise, and educates a new generation of highly skilled professionals.

The Optics group at Imaging Physics department is looking for candidates that have been trained as physicist or engineer. Expertise in optics is advisable, and know-how of light scattering/diffraction is a bonus or optical design. The candidates will contribute excellent computation skills to the team that will be complemented with strong experimental skills. We expect candidates to be proficient in English and to have good professional communication and team working skills, and to enjoy interdisciplinary collaborations with scientists from high-tech industry. 

We are looking for talented, enthusiastic PhD candidates who meet the following requirements:

• A MSc in physics or a related discipline with a strong background in optical physics;
• Experience with Matlab/Python, Comsol or CST;
• Creative, pro-active team player with good analytical skills;
• Good communicative skills in English, both written and oral.         

 The application should consist of the following parts:

• A motivation letter;
• A Curriculum Vitae
• Copies of diplomas and a list of grades of your studies;
• Names and addresses of two referees;
• Proof of English language skills (if applicable).

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.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. 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 www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

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.

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 position is in the Department of Imaging Physics (www.imphys.tudelft.nl) 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.