The PhD position is part of research of prof. Bernd Rieger and prof. Sjoerd Stallinga, in which we target 3D super-resolution microscopy by the “re-scan confocal” technique. Here the confocal spot that is scanned through the sample is re-imaged onto a conventional camera, enabling advances in resolution and signal-to-noise ratio.

We strive for improving this technique with optical engineering of the scan spots and/or scan patterns, by extending the technique to full 3D microscopy, and by applying it to single-molecule localization. The project builds on the lab's track-record in the field of computational imaging techniques for super-resolution microscopy.

The project will run in collaboration with the company Confocal.nl that brings the re-scan confocal technique to microscopy users, and is part of a bigger consortium on 3D Nanoscale Imaging in which different academic groups run research collaborations with companies in this area.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in physics or in a physics related discipline. In particular, we want the candidate to have expertise in a branch of optical imaging, and development of experimental setups in, in combination with a skill set in computational techniques for developing theory and running simulations and data analyses. Good programming skills in e.g. Matlab, Python, C, or Cuda, are desired. Above all, we are interested in candidates with a passion for making methodological advances in science and technology.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 1,5 year.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

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 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 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 educate innovative 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.

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

Department of Imaging Physics

The department's ambition is to be leading in developing novel instrumentation and methodology in imaging science and sensing technology. As such the department's profile encompasses a mix of science, engineering, and design. In the domain of life and health we target the full range from pre-clinical life sciences oriented research and instrumentation/method development to direct clinical applications.

We pioneer in optical neuro-imaging, super-resolution microscopy, MRI, ultrasound, OCT, and scattering and diffraction based diagnostics. In the domain of digital society we achieve impact on the semiconductor manufacturing sector by cutting edge tools for imaging, sensing and precision metrology, such as lensless imaging, optical system design, nano-photonic components, electron optics, and hybrid electron-optical imaging systems. In both sectors there is a prominent role for Artificial Intelligence and computational imaging techniques.

Click here to go to the website of Imaging Physics Department.