Postdoc Optomechanical IR Sensing

Delft University of Technology; Delft; On-site; EUR 41,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Delft University of Technology invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in Optomechanical IR Sensing within the QSTeM testbed, a collaboration between TU Delft and AMOLF. The role centers on developing cutting-edge optomechanical sensors for infrared sensing and imaging, spanning device design, nanofabrication, and optical characterization.

You will join the Gröblacher group in the Department of Quantum Nanoscience, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and mentoring, and work

Qualifications

• PhD in optomechanics, nanophotonics, nano-engineering, applied physics, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with nanoscale, photonic or optomechanical devices.
• Experience with experimental optics, photonics, optomechanics, nanomechanics, or optical sensing.
• Interest in device/material engineering and how material properties affect sensor performance.
• Collaborative mindset and strong communication skills.
• Experience with numerical modelling; FEM simulations is a plus.
• Prior infrared sensing or multimode mechanical systems experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop optomechanical devices for infrared sensing and imaging.
• Perform device design, nanofabrication, optical characterization and measurement protocols.
• Contribute to measurements and benchmarking for external partners.
• Work within QSTeM and Gröblacher group at TU Delft with access to facilities.

Skills

PhD in optomechanics

Nanophotonics

Nano-engineering

Applied physics

Experimental optics

Photonic devices

Optomechanics

Optical sensing

Collaborative mindset

Numerical modelling

Finite-element simulations

Infrared sensing

Education

PhD (optics/related field)

Tools

Finite-element simulations

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for the Postdoc Optomechanical IR Sensing position, to join a collaborative project between TU Delft (Simon Gröblacher’s group) and AMOLF (Ewold Verhagen’s group), centered around the development of cutting‑edge optomechanical sensors.

Sensing enabled by optomechanical systems

• The researcher will be primarily based at the QSTeM testbed facility in Delft, working day‑to‑day with the joint TU Delft and AMOLF teams.
• FTE: 1,0
• Salary range: €3706 - €5760

Job description

The position is embedded within QSTeM, a recently established Testbed for mechanical sensing led by Letizia Catalini, where novel sensors are designed, benchmarked, and developed with both academic and industrial partners.

The research conducted within this framework will initially focus on the development of optomechanical devices for infrared sensing and imaging. Infrared sensing will serve as a starting point for the project, while other sensing modalities and device concepts may be explored as the work develops and new application opportunities emerge.

The work will span several aspects of sensor development, including device and material engineering, nanofabrication, optical characterization, and measurement protocols. Particular attention will be given to the design and fabrication of nanostructured devices and to understanding how material properties, thermal transport, and device geometry influence sensor performance. The project will also explore strategies to improve sensitivity, stability, reproducibility, and robustness, with the broader goal of advancing optomechanical sensor technology toward real‑world applications. This applied and interdisciplinary orientation creates an excellent opportunity to explore fundamental research questions while engaging directly with the challenges associated with developing reliable and high‑performance sensor systems.

In addition to conducting research, the postdoc will actively contribute to measurements and benchmarking services for external partners. This includes performing characterization of sensor devices developed by collaborators and supporting QSTeM’s mission as a reliable and high‑performance testing facility.

Led by Letizia Catalini, QSTeM provides a highly interdisciplinary and application‑driven setting in which researchers from both institutions work closely together and interact with academic and industrial partners.

Additionally, the postdoc will be part of the Gröblacher group at the Department of Quantum Nanoscience at TU Delft, with full access to mentoring, to group activities and to an exciting and collaborative environment and to state‑of‑the‑art facilities, including advanced cleanroom infrastructure for realizing next‑generation nanostructures.

Job requirements

• PhD in optomechanics, nanophotonics, nano‑engineering, applied physics, or a related field.
• Strong hands‑on experience with nanofabrication and the development of nanoscale, photonic, or optomechanical devices.
• Experience with experimental optics, photonics, optomechanics, nanomechanics, or optical sensing.
• Interest in device and material engineering, including the role of material properties and thermal transport in sensor performance.
• A collaborative mindset and strong communication skills.
• Experience with numerical modelling and simulation of mechanical or optical systems (e.g. finite‑element simulations) is an advantage.
• Prior experience with infrared sensing, multimode mechanical systems, or advanced sensing protocols is a plus.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

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.

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. 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.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years. Temporary.
• A job of 38 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

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 to help you prepare your relocation. Coming to Delft Service also 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

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed.