PhD Position Quantum Optomechanics

Join us at TU Delft to levitate nanoparticles, harness quantum control, and explore how the macroscopic world can behave quantum mechanically!

Job description
Quantum physics has revolutionised the way we live—just think of the billions of transistors working to enable you to read this advert. But its phenomena only dominate at the “small” scale of atoms and molecules. Imagine being able to extend effects like quantum superposition or entanglement to “big” objects that we usually think of as classical particles. This is exactly what you will do at TU Delft. As a PhD student in Quantum Levitodynamics, you will explore how solid bodies, containing billions of atoms, can be made to behave like quantum systems, using techniques such as optical levitation, interferometry and active cooling to control their motion.

You will conduct research on how quantum effects can be exploited for nano and microparticles, building on our recent results. Levitation in vacuum allows the study of quantum-mechanical motion of macroscopic bodies, providing a way to explore the classical-quantum boundary at unprecedented mass and length scales. Combined with the quantum-limited measurement capabilities of optical interferometers, state estimation protocols and ultra-high vacuum engineering, such systems become extremely sensitive probes for a wide range of phenomena, including collisions, fictitious forces and gravitational fields to name but a few. Building on this framework, we have recently developed methods to manipulate the motion of levitated nanoparticles with a precision far better than its zero-point motion (ZPM). In this role, you will explore alternative quantum measurement schemes to prepare exotic quantum states. You will also help us bridge the gap with the macroscopic world and explore potential applications of such systems.

You will join a diverse and motivated team of academic staff and students in Delft. We foster an inspiring, friendly and supportive environment and meet regularly to share ideas and knowledge or socialize. As a PhD student, you will develop your levitation apparatus, run the lab, analyze the data, gain experience with modelling, coding, programming and operating complex equipment in our state-of-the-art lab. You will also receive all the training you need to develop as a scientist in this fast-moving field. This will give you great prospects for a professional career in the future.     

Job requirements
As a highly motivated researcher, you want to work at the cutting edge of science. You have a particular affinity for quantum mechanics and enjoy discussing its intricacies. Driven by curiosity, you are creative, independent and eager to take the initiative. And you have the planning skills to deal with a very complex PhD project. You also have:

• An MSc degree in physics, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of quantum mechanics, laser and optics is an advantage.
• General experience of experimental physics is preferred.

The outcomes of this project will be disseminated to the scientific community and a general audience through presentations at (inter)national conferences and through publications in peer-reviewed journals. You will also participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses and write scientific articles and a final thesis. In addition, you may be involved in training and teaching BSc and MSc students. A certain level of English proficiency is therefore required, as well as the social skills to deal with many stakeholders.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive research environment, where different perspectives drive innovation. We strongly encourage applications from female researchers and individuals from underrepresented groups in physics—your ideas and talents are essential to shaping the future of this field!

TU Delft (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.

Conditions of employment
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 € 2901 per month in the first year to € 3707 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.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Massimiliano Rossi, project PI, via m.rossi-1@tudelft.nl .You can find more information about our lab on our website (https://rossilab.tudelft.nl).

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 28 March 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter, including (1) a brief personal introduction, (2) an explanation of how your previous studies and experience have prepared you for this position, and (3) why you are interested in this position. The maximum length is one page.
• Copies of your BSc and MSc degrees and transcripts.
• Names and contact information of at least two relevant references. We will not contact references without your consent.

You can address your application to Massimiliano Rossi, project PI. We will review the application on an ongoing basis. At regular intervals, we will conduct video interviews with a selection of candidates, possibly followed by interviews at TU Delft.

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.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

40 hours per week

Mekelweg 5