Are you interested in pushing the boundaries of measurement technology? In this position, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the precision of device position and orientation measurements, essential for cutting-edge technology fabrication. Your work will contribute to enhancing industrial processes, quality control, and compensation mechanisms through fast, non-contact, and energy-efficient methods. Building on our recent advancements, you extend our information-centered optical measurement strategy, exploring fundamental and applied aspects of multi-modal optical measurements.

Your job
The aim of this project is to extend our information-centered optical measurement strategy, both mathematically and practically, to cases where multiple parameters need to be extracted from complex measurements. For instance, you will investigate what insights can be gained from measurements that involve multiple illuminations, sensor channels, viewing angles, polarisation channels, and wavelengths. Collaborating with local experts and our industrial partner, ASM Pacific Technology, you will adapt this theoretical framework to real-world applications, particularly in measuring the placement of bonds and wires on integrated circuits (ICs).

This PhD project encompasses a wide range of technologies and approaches, including optics, interfacing, information theory, and data processing using Python, alongside machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch. We expect you to demonstrate MSc-level knowledge in at least one of these areas and to be open and curious about exploring the others.

Your work is expected to lead to peer-reviewed publications in open-access journals, culminating in a PhD thesis that contextualises your research, and which you will defend at the end of the project.

Do you have an MSc degree in (experimental, theoretical, or applied) physics, astronomy, mathematics, engineering, or materials science, demonstrating a strong interest in optics? Are you curious and value an open, respectful work environment? If so, we would love to hear from you!

We particularly encourage applications from women, individuals with an LGBTQ+ background, and candidates from underrepresented demographics.

Given the preferred start date of March 2025 and the lengthy visa procedures for non-EEA citizens, we prefer candidates from the EEA or those with valid work permits for this position.

We offer:

• a position for four years;
• a gross monthly salary between €2,872 and €3,670 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

Universiteit Utrecht

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.

The Nanophotonics group is part of the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science and the Department of Physics of the Faculty of Science. Our research focuses on the shaping and control of light and matter waves and their applications in technology for a sustainable society. Our existing research lines focus on fundamental physics of Bose-Einstein condensates, optical metrology for industrial and medical applications, THZ and optical spectroscopy of quantum materials, and light-material interaction at very high intensities. We work closely with groups that conduct research into, among other things, theory of quantum materials, experimental realisation of electron waves in quantum materials constructed on an atomic scale, electrochemistry, catalysis and energy storage materials, and self-assembly of quantum materials. Increasingly our projects involve partners from high-tech industry and societal organisations.