PhD | Instrumentation for quantitative nanoparticle analysis (valorization focus)

Visionatline; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

VU Amsterdam is offering a PhD position in Instrumentation for quantitative nanoparticle analysis (valorization focus). You will join the Faculty of Science to develop a next-generation holographic nanoparticle tracking platform and push imaging technology toward clinical and pharmaceutical applications.

You will design and test a turnkey benchtop instrument, devise robust protocols, and interact with industrial collaborators to translate research into a commercially viable product.

Qualifications

• PhD preference in physics, chemistry or related field.
• Experience with optical instrumentation and nanoscale characterization.
• Interest in valorization and commercialization of research.

Responsibilities

• Design and build the second generation holographic nanoparticle tracking platform.
• Develop sample chambers and measurement protocols.
• Collaborate with clinical and industrial stakeholders.

Skills

Optical instrumentation

Nanoparticle tracking

Nanoscale characterization

Valorization mindset

Education

Master / WO

PhD candidate

Tools

Benchtop instrumentation

Data analysis pipelines

Job description

Are you excited by the combination of optical technology, nanoscience and biomedical applications? In this PhD project at VU Amsterdam, you will develop a next-generation holographic nanoparticle tracking platform and help bring innovative imaging technology from the laboratory towards real-world clinical and pharmaceutical applications.

PhD: Instrumentation for quantitative nanoparticle analysis (valorization focus) Faculty of Science Master / WO fte: 1 Location: Onderzoeksgebouw VU min. €3.204 - max. €4.051 Closingdate: 18-09-2026

Your function

We are looking for a highly motivated student that is excited about developing optical instrumentation for applications in nanosizing and characterization. The project is based on NWO OTP-funding and a direct extension of previous work (1, 2, 3) with a strong focus on valorization and commercialization. We have a first generation holographic nanoparticle tracking platform, long-standing expertise and a team of industrial collaborators from the pharmaceutical and clinical sectors. Based on these starting points, you will develop a second generation platform that we want to test in the wet-labs of our collaborators thus taking crucial steps towards a commercially viable product.

Your tasks

• designing and building a second generation holographic nanoparticle tracking platform
• devising suitable sample chambers
• developing robust measurement protocols and analysis pipelines

Your duties

develop and optimize a benchtop-compatible, turnkey, holographic nanoparticle tracking instrument move sizing accuracy, precision and detection sensitivities to their absolute limits devise computational strategies to ensure robust 3D particle tracking improve measurement protocols and sample chamber geometries interact with clinical and industrial stakeholders through frequent user meetings be excited about valorization and commercialization writing and defending your PhD thesis

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