PhD Position Nanomechanical Sensors and Integrated Photonics

Nanomechanical sensors and integrated photonics

Micromechanical sensors are all around us, and play an increasing role in emerging trends like automization and artificial intelligence. In particular reducing the size and power consumption, while increasing sensitivity and realizing new sensing modalities is important. For that reason in this project we aim to set the step from micro to nanofabrication. We will realize nanomechanical sensors with integrated photonics for readout. Moreover we will use 2D materials for their high flexibility and unique sensitivity to light, and small forces. The project will initically target multiple sensing directions including (ultra)sound, light, temperature, gas and biosensing, while later focusing on the most promising directions.  Within this project, you will design and build an integrated nanomechanical photonics sensing system and test it for sensing. The project is a international collaboration with Southampton University in the UK and Sabanci University in Turkye.

It is expected that you will:

1. Develop and conduct research on nanomechanics, 2D materials and integrated photonics.

2. Design the experimental sensing platform required for this project.

3. Perform experimental research, including a proof-of-concept for sensing using integrated photonics with suspended 2D materials.

4. Writing a doctoral dissertation, publishing results in renowned peer reviewed journals and presenting research in international conferences.

5. Engage in education activities, such as supervising master students.

You should have the following qualifications:

• MSc in mechanical engineering, physics, materials science or a related area.
• Experience with integrated photonics and/or 2D materials.
• Modelling and design skills or experience in photonics.
• Good communication skills and ability to be a team-player in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Self-starter with initiative and ability to setup, organise and execute your research.  

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. 

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration. 

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

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. 

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

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 € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. 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.  

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Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
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