PhD Position Metaoptics for Space Applications

Delft; Delft; On-site; EUR 34,138 - 43,311; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-year contract

Holiday allowance 8%

End-of-year bonus 8.3%

Relocation assistance

Health insurance discounts

Monthly work costs contribution

Job summary

TU Delft is offering a PhD position in Metaoptics for Space Applications within the INTERPRETER project. The candidate will design detector-integrated photonic crystals for atmospheric monitoring and satellite-based applications, working closely with SRON Space Research Organisation Netherlands.

The role involves experimental and theoretical work in nanooptics, detector integration, and optical testing, with a 4-year employment period under the TU Delft Graduate School.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Physics or related field.
• Knowledge of nanooptics, photonic crystals, inverse design.
• Experience with optical characterization, nanofabrication, computational imaging, or detector tech is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and English proficiency.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and fabrication of photonic crystals for detectors.
• Integrate detectors with photonic crystal filters.
• Conduct optical testing and characterization.
• Collaborate with SRON Space Research Organisation Netherlands.

Skills

optics/nanophotonics

optical characterization

computational imaging

analytical skills

English proficiency

teamwork

independence

Education

Master's degree in Physics or related field

Tools

nanofabrication

photonic crystals

inverse design

imaging systems

detector technology

Job description

PhD Position Metaoptics for Space Applications

Are you passionate about nanooptics, outer space and you would like to work towards advancing the monitoring of atmospheric constituents such as greenhouse gases? We seek formidable students to design detector-integrated photonic crystals for this endeavour.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the INTERPRETER project, an interdisciplinary research initiative focused on the development of next-generation compact hyperspectral spectropolarimetric cameras. Hyperspectral imaging enables simultaneous acquisition of spatial and spectral information, supporting applications in earth observation, semiconductor metrology, agriculture, medical imaging, industrial inspection, and environmental monitoring. Current detector technologies face limitations in spectral coverage, imaging speed, scalability, cost, and CMOS compatibility. The INTERPRETER project aims to overcome these challenges employing photonic crystal-based spectropolarimetric filter arrays. The project will advance novel imaging technologies capable of delivering compact, high-performance instruments for satellite-based aerosol monitoring, climate research, and industrial sensing applications.

Ideally, the candidate should have a strong background in optics/nanoptics, both experimentally as well as theoretically. Tasks involve the design and manufacturing of photonic crystals, the detector integration as well as the optical testing. The INTERPRETER project will be in collaboration with SRON Space Research Organisation Netherlands, where as well parts of the experimental work will take place.

Job requirements

• A strong Master's degree in Physics or Applied Physics, Photonics, Nanotechnology, Engineering or a related field.
• Knowledge of nanooptics, photonic crystals, inverse design, photonics, imaging systems, optionally also semiconductor devices, optoelectronics.
• Experience with optical characterization, nanofabrication, computational imaging, or detector technology is an advantage.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

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.

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

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€3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

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.

Faculty/Department: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

FTE: 1,0

Submission is possible until: 30 Aug 2026