PhD Measuring and controlling nanoscale photothermal processes

Nanoscale heating has numerous applications, including driving chemical reactions, treating diseases, and enabling data storage. One promising method for generating this heating involves using light in combination with “plasmonic” nanostructures, which act as light-sensitive antennas. However, significant challenges remain. For example, the heated volume and achievable peak temperature are still largely constrained by the nanostructure's dimensions, and the materials used often deform or break down under high temperatures.

The primary objective of this EU-funded research project is to advance the fundamental understanding of nanoscale photothermal heating. As a PhD researcher, you will explore promising new strategies of controlling heat at the smallest scales using light, and you will develop novel light-sensitive nanostructures that can withstand extreme temperatures. Your work will involve modeling and measuring nanoscale temperatures using optical and physical methods, and applying the findings in the context of light-driven chemical conversion. Overall, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in material science and photoconversion technologies.

Your responsibilities will be to:

• Design and fabricate nanostructures using modelling and lithography
• Use time-resolved and steady-state spectroscopic and imaging techniques for studying photothermal processes
• Design and build experimental setups for light-driven physics and chemistry
• Initiate and lead complementary research collaborations with internal and external partners
• Disseminate your research through peer-reviewed journals and poster/oral contributions at (inter)national conferences
• Act as daily supervisor of bachelor and master students during their internships and as teaching assistant to different courses (~10% of the overall PhD time)

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in physics, physical chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field
• A strong demonstration of practical skills in carrying out physical experiments and/or building optical/spectroscopic setups is desirable
• Prior research experience in nanophotonics, photochemistry, cleanroom fabrication, and/or optical microscopy and spectroscopy is considered a plus
• Familiarity with computational tools (such as Python, MatLab, Lumerical FDTD, or COMSOL Multiphysics) and data analysis software is considered a plus
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are very important
• You have a team-player mentality and a kind and social attitude

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Salary Benefits:

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of € 2.872,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.670,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
• an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

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