Postdoc Optomechanical Thermometry

Passionate about pushing the boundaries of temperature sensing? Join us in revolutionizing optomechanical thermometry! We're seeking a skilled Postdoc researcher to realize integrated optical chips with mechanical resonators and develop self-calibration techniques, enhancing accuracy while reducing calibration demands

Job description
Temperature sensing is fundamental to fields ranging from industrial process control to quantum technologies and biomedical applications. However, conventional temperature sensors face a key challenge: frequent recalibration, which increases costs and limits long-term accuracy. Our project tackles this issue by developing integrated optomechanical thermometry—a cutting-edge approach that leverages optical chips with mechanical resonators to achieve self-calibration, minimizing the need for external references.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will play a crucial role in the PhoQuS-T consortium, an EU-funded initiative that unites leading experts in optomechanics, integrated photonics, and quantum sensing. Your primary responsibility will be to design, fabricate, and test novel optomechanical devices that enhance temperature sensing performance. This involves developing innovative self-calibration techniques, optimizing mechanical resonators, and implementing advanced optical readout schemes to push the limits of precision and reliability. Additionally, you will collaborate with academic and industrial partners, contributing to milestone deliverables such as prototype demonstrations and scientific publications.

Dynamics of Micro and Nanosystems
This position is embedded within the Dynamics of Micro and Nanosystems (DMN) section at TU Delft, an internationally recognized research group at the forefront of micro- and nanoscale dynamics. You will work closely with PhD students and postdocs specializing in optomechanics, microfabrication, and precision engineering.

You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities nanofabrication facilities and optical measurement labs at the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft and TU Delft’s Precision and Microsystems Engineering (PME) Department. Regular interactions with theoretical and experimental experts will provide ample opportunities for scientific growth and professional development. The environment is open and collaborative, promoting daily interaction and knowledge exchange. With minimal hierarchical barriers, you’ll benefit from strong mentorship and tailored training. Professional growth is a priority, ensuring your success in academia.

Job requirements
You need to have:

• A PhD in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in micro-optics design and simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, Lumerical).
• Experience or interest in using experimental setups for optomechanical measurements.
• Familiarity or enthusiasm for cleanroom microfabrication techniques, including lithography and etching.
• A strong interest in advancing the fields of optomechanics and integrated photonics.

The following will make you stand out:

• Creative, open-minded and proactive researcher.
• Excellent experimental and analytical skills.
• Ability to be part of a team and work independently.

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 Mechanical Engineering
From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years.
• A job of 32-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, 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.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Peter Steeneken, via recruitment-me@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 16 March 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

1. Your CV.
2. A cover letter in which you describe your personal motivation and specific qualifications for this position (max 2 page).
3. The names and contact details of three references.
4. Abstract of your MSc/PhD thesis.

You can address your application to Peter Steeneken.

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.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines).
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

32 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 5