Postdoc Optomechanical IR Sensing

1000scholars; Delft; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ABP pension

Flexible working week

Education and training opportunities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

1000scholars invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position embedded at the TU Delft and AMOLF collaboration. Work centers on developing optomechanical sensors and infrared sensing within the QSTeM testbed in Delft, with hands-on device fabrication and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The role includes advancing sensor performance, coordinating measurements, and contributing to benchmarking for external partners, under Letizia Catalini’s guidance in a highly interdisciplinary

Qualifications

• PhD in optomechanics, nanophotonics, nano-engineering, applied physics, or related field.
• Hands-on nanofabrication and nanoscale device development experience.
• Experience with experimental optics, photonics, optomechanics, nanomechanics, or optical sensing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on optomechanical sensors for infrared sensing and imaging.
• Collaborate with TU Delft and AMOLF teams within the QSTeM framework.
• Support measurements and benchmarking for external partners.

Skills

Phonon/nanofabrication experience

Experimental optics

Numerical modelling/simulation

Collaborative mindset

Communication skills

Education

PhD in optomechanics/nanophotonics

Job description

Job description

Sensing enabled by optomechanical systems

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher 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. 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.

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. 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.

At the Gröblacher Lab, we aim to create an inclusive environment where a diverse mix of talented people can learn, pursue their scientific interests, and do their best work. We are committed to promoting equality, creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone, and fostering diversity across race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, socioeconomic background, and the many other characteristics that shape our perspectives and experiences. We believe that diversity strengthens both our science and our community.

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.

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 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.