Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Faculty of Applied Sciences
Institute:
Delft University of Technology
Country:
Netherlands
Research Field:
Physics, optics, lasers, imaging microscopy
Posted Date:
NA
Deadline:
May 31, 2026
Offer Period:
4 Years
Offer Start Date:
NA
PhD Position in Ultrafast Photoacoustic Imaging
Description:
- Ultrafast photoacoustics is a process in which we use extremely short laser pulses to heat a material, giving rise to a rapid expansion that results in the generation of high-frequency ultrasound waves. We have developed methods to detect such ultrasound waves using light as well, enabling optical microscopy with ultrasound as a contrast agent.
- In this project, you will build a microscope based on this photoacoustics concept. Working as part of a small team of researchers, you get to design and develop the imaging system, and combine it with the ultrafast photoacoustics system available in the group. In addition to optics and microscopy, the experiments involve femtosecond lasers, electronic synchronisation systems, and sensitive data acquisition methods such as lock-in detection. You will then apply this novel microscope to study the mechanical properties of microscopic objects, such as semiconductor devices and biological cells. Data analysis and interpretation of the measured signals to transform them into 3D images will be another important challenge. As the propagation of sound depends on material properties such as density and stiffness, this microscope will give you a unique capability to visualize local material properties inside complex microstructures.
- You will be part of the Optics for Nanoscale Metrology team, in the Optics cluster of the department of Imaging Physics at TU Delft. In this team, consisting of several PhD students, postdocs and undergraduates, we focus on developing new concepts for 3D imaging of nanostructures, using light.
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
- A masters degree in Physics or a related subject
- Strong affinity with experimental research in optics, lasers, imaging/microscopy and or time-resolved spectroscopy
- Good communication skills (verbal and written) in English are required
- Strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and a creative approach to problem solving
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team as well as individually
Preferred Qualification:
Not Available
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
- 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.
Benefits:
- Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
- 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.
Application Process:
Documents Required:
- CV
- Cover letter (1 page). In your cover letter, make sure to explain your motivation for this project.
- You can address your application to Prof. Stefan Witte.
How to apply:
- Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 31 May 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
Faculty of 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 generation of high school teachers.
TU Delft
- 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.
Explore Other Similar Positions:
You may also be interested in the following PhD positions. These opportunities are currently open across universities and research institutes worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a PhD position?
PhD positions are open to candidates who hold, or will soon complete, a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a related field. Specific academic requirements may vary depending on the institution and research project.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most PhD positions are open to international applicants. Universities usually provide support for visa applications and residence permits, subject to national regulations.
Is a Master’s degree mandatory for applying to a PhD?
In most cases, a completed Master’s degree is required. However, some institutions may consider exceptional candidates with strong academic backgrounds or integrated Master–PhD programs.
What is the typical duration of a PhD program?
A PhD program typically lasts 3 to 5 years, depending on the country, funding scheme, and research field. Some programs may allow extensions under specific circumstances.
Is the PhD position fully funded?
Most advertised PhD positions are fully funded and include a monthly salary or stipend. Funding details, tuition coverage, and benefits are usually specified in the job description.
Are PhD candidates considered students or employees?
This depends on the country and institution. In many European countries, PhD candidates are employed as staff members, while in others they may be registered as students receiving a stipend.
Are teaching responsibilities included in PhD positions?
Teaching duties vary by institution. Some PhD positions include teaching or lab supervision, while others are research-only. The exact expectations are described in each job advertisement.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.