PhD studentships on nanophotonic sensing

Background: Optical sensing

Sensors measure physical, chemical or biological parameters that are critical to humans and to the environment - for example to monitor air quality or plant growth. In particular, light can be used to sense many important quantities non-invasively and optical sensing has become a very active field in both research and industry. Our group has recently developed novel nanophotonic sensing concepts, based on light confinement at the nanoscale. In particular, we demonstrated fiber-tip sensors able to measure tiny environmental changes at a distance, and spectral sensors which can determine the properties of materials from their spectrum. In the framework of a European project and a very large national photonics initiative, we intend to further explore and push the limits of these two sensor technologies and demonstrate their potential in practical applications

Project description

Two PhD studentships are available, one on fiber-tip sensors for air quality monitoring, another on spectral sensors for healthcare and agrofood. The selected candidates will perform cutting-edge research in nanophotonic sensing, including simulations, nanofabrication, optical characterization and validation in a specific application case, in collaboration with industrial partners.

The projects will be supervised by Prof. A. Fiore. The PhD students will be integrated in a young, dynamic and highly collaborative team active in this research area.

Requirements:

We welcome applications from candidates with a Master degree in physics or electrical engineering and with a background in optics or photonics. Candidates must show interest in experimental physics and demonstrate the drive and capacity to independently tackle different aspects of a problem while working in a team.

Salary Benefits:

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

38 hours per week

De Rondom 70