In framework of a research programme on plasmonics and metasurfaces for solid-state lighting, cofunded by Philips Lighting, the Resonant Nanophotonics group at AMOLF is eager to hire a postdoc to develop theory in the area of active nanophotonic structures. This fundamental research program is driven by application perspectives in novel LED light sources. Current white light LED light sources uses highly efficient blue LEDs to pump color-converting phosphor layers. Nanoscale structures can enhance light absorption and emission through field enhancement and Purcell effect, can shape the angular distribution of emission, and through the paradigm of metasurfaces can replace bulky secondary optics. Within this setting, groups at AMOLF explore the fundamental physics of novel light-emitting materials (group of Erik Garnett), active plasmonic phased arrays (Koenderink), dielectric metasurfaces (Verhagen) and metasurfaces (Polman). We solicit applications for a postdoctoral researcher with proven experience in theoretical/computational nanophotonics as evident from PhD and/or earlier postdoc experience. The postdoc is expected to propose topics and develop theory that drives future experiments. Possible topics include but are not limited to light-matter interaction enhancement in plasmonic and metamaterial systems, strategies for (inverse) design of unit efficiency metasurfaces for the control of polarization, phase and amplitude of light, metasurfaces with loss and gain, e.g. targeting PT symmetry, the construction of metamaterials built from novel active or polaritonic materials, nonlinear metasurfaces, reconfigurable nanophotonics, and soforth.

The successful candidate will be stationed in the Resonant Nanophotonic group at AMOLF but is expected to work with, and connect to, all experimental groups in the programme (group leaders Garnett, Polman, Koenderink, Verhagen). The Center for Nanophotonics at AMOLF offers an intellectually stimulating environment with state of the art facilities, where new theoretical ideas can be directly tested in the lab. The environment is strongly collaborative, and the research program of the Center for Nanophotonics groups spans from novel optoelectronic materials, to nanophotovoltaics, to plasmonics, metamaterials, nanoscopy and optomechanics. The Resonant Nanophotonics group is specialized in light-matter interaction in plasmonic and metamaterial systems – see http://www.amolf.nl/research/resonant-nanophotonics.
The AMOLF team has experience with Green function methods for multiple scattering calculations in complex environments, theory of spontaneous emission, quasi-normal mode expansion methods, coupled mode theory methods, and numerical modelling with FDTD and finite element methods.

The successful candidate holds a recent PhD degree in physics or electrical engineering, possibly with one till two years of previous postdoc experience, with a strong academic track record evidencing experience in theoretical / computational nanophotonics, as well as the ability to independently push ideas. The candidate is expected to indicate a vision on preferred topics to work on as part of the motivation letter. Alongside excellent academic credentials, the successful candidate is expected to be highly motivated, have excellent verbal and written communication skills (in English), with a clear view of how a postdoc at AMOLF contributes to building an academic career at the forefront of nanophotonics.

Fixed-term contract: Two years.

NWO-I, the Institutes Organisation of NWO, prefers candidates who have qualifying experience (e.g. as PhD student or postdoctoral researcher) in a scientific research institute abroad. You will be employed by NWO-I for a fixed period of two years. Your salary will be up to a maximum of 4,089 euro gross per month, depending on your level of experience. The salary is supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8 percent and an end-of-year bonus of 8.33 percent. The conditions of employment of NWO-I are laid down in the Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres (Cao-Onderzoekinstellingen), more exclusive information is available at this website under Personeelsinformatie (in Dutch) or under Personnel (in English).
General information about working at NWO-I can be found in the English part of this website under Personnel. The 'Job interview code' applies to this position.

AMOLF

AMOLF initiates and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and creates new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. AMOLF is located at the Amsterdam Science Park, the Netherlands, and engages approximately 140 scientists and 70 support staff. See also www.amolf.nl