Postdoc Electron Optics and Instrumentation

About this position

Curious how we can turn a scanning electron microscope into a surface-sensitive diffractive microscope? Excited about building novel electron-optical systems? We're looking for you!

Job description

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the Curious Beams Lab at Delft University of Technology and lead the instrumentation development for BEAMSurf: Diffractive Atomic-Scale Surface Imaging with Backscattered Electrons, an ERC Starting Grant project led by Dr. Georgios Varnavides.

BEAMSurf aims to develop a new type of scanning electron microscope that uses coherent backscattered electrons for diffractive imaging of material surfaces. By combining electron optics, MEMS technology, experimental microscopy, and computational imaging, we aim to open new possibilities for high-resolution surface imaging at low electron energies.

As the postdoctoral researcher, you will take the technical and scientific ownership of the instrument development, from electron-optical design through to fabrication, integration and experimental demonstration. You will work closely with two PhD candidates with complimentary roles: one will focus on experimental imaging, microscope characterization, and establishing the imaging methodology, while the other will develop computational imaging approaches and apply them to surface science. You will also work closely with the PI and an electron-optics technician supporting the project.

A central challenge is to develop compact electron-optical components that can separate the desired coherent backscattered-electron signal from the primary beam and direct it towards a dedicated detector. You will design and characterize these components, coordinate their fabrication and integration, and lead the commisioning and optimization of the experimental instrument.

Your work will span electron-optical design, electromagnetic and ray-tracing simulations, MEMS and nanofabrication, vacuum technology, detector integration and experimental microscopy. Working with the experimental-imaging PhD candidate, you will establish the performance of the instrument and the conditions needed to acquire high-quality diffraction data. You will also work with computational-imaging PhD candidate to connect the experimental measurements to reconstruction and imaging methods.

The position offers substantial scope to shape the technical direction of the project and to develop new instrumentation from concept through to experimental demonstration. You will have access to a new high-vacuum SEM acquired primarily for BEAMSurf, together with the broader electron microscopy infrastructure of the department.

This position is particularly suited to candidates with a background in electron optics, charged-particle optics, electron microscopy, electromagnetic simulation or scientific instrumentation. Experience with MEMS, nanofabrication, vacuum systems, detector technology or experimental microscopy is valuable. We are also interested in candidates who have developed complex experimental instrumentation in adjacent fields and are motivated to apply their expertise to electron microscopy.

Research Environment:

You will join the Curious Beams Lab, led by Dr. Georgios Varnavides, within the Microscopy and Instrumentation Techniques (MInT) cluster of the Department of Imaging Physics at TU Delft, Applied Sciences.

The MInT cluster brings together multiple research groups working across electron microscopy, from semiconductor inspection and metrology, to cryogenic electron microscopy for biological samples. The cluster has access to state-of-the-art field-emission SEMs and FIB-SEMS, with a new microscope being acquired primarily for this project.

More broadly, the ImPhys department provides an interdisciplinary environment spanning multiple imaging modalities, wavelengths, and length scaels, including extreme ultraviolet imaging, optical super-resolution, ultrasound and MRI, as-well as AI-based medical imaging.

Job requirements

We are looking for a curious and motivated researcher who wants to develop new experimental capabilities at the intersection of electron optics, instrumentation and imaging science.

• You have:
• A PhD degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field.
• A strong background in experimental physics, electron optics, electron microscopy, charged-particle optics, or scientific instrumentation.
• Experience designing, building or characterizing experimental systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently.
• Experience with numerical simulation, scientific programming or electromagnetic modelling is valuable.
• The ability to work effectively across disciplinary boundaries and contribute actively to a collaborative research team.
• Good written and spoken English communication skills.
• You are available to start in the first half of 2027, with some flexibility around the exact start date.

Experience or interest in electron optics, ray tracing, electromagnetic simulation, MEMS, nanofabrication, vacuum systems, detector technology, electronics or experimental microscopy is particularly valuable.

Experience with electron microscopy is useful but not essential if you have a strong background in related instrumentation or charged-particle optics and are motivated to learn.

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 n