PhD position - Biomolecules as antennas

Transduction is happening everywhere around us. In biology, cells transduce signals from one cell to another, from the outside environment to the inside, and across different cellular compartments. An example of transduction in engineering is the use of microphones, which convert sound waves into electrical signals via intermediate mechanical oscillations. However, there is currently a lack of technology to emit and detect in the THz range of the electromagnetic spectrum; a problem also known as the ’THz gap’. To achieve broad band quantum transduction, particularly in the THz range, one solution is to use biomolecules. Biomolecules are known to absorb in that range, and they have the potential of being modified and tuned, therefore making them ideal THz bioantennas. This PhD project will explore and develop THz biomolecular antennas, possibly with making use of lipid bilayers, and then interface such bioantennas with quantum materials.
 

Requirements:

Qualified candidates have a Master in material science, physics, or chemistry. Successful candidates are motivated by a deep scientific curiosity, have excellent experimental and quantitative skills and possess a drive to learn and to develop new methods and concepts.
PLEASE NOTE: The applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received, therefore it is preferable to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
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.
 

Salary Benefits:

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 € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 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 sport memberships, 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.
 

38 hours per week

Mekelweg 2