Postdoc Optomechanical IR Sensing

About this position

Sensing enabled by optomechanical systems

Job description

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.

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 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. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component.

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. We are also training the next g