The Molecular Plasmonics group at Eindhoven University of Technology invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on the development of colloidal plasmonic metasurfaces for single-molecule fluorescence biosensing. This innovative project aims to create next-generation biosensors by leveraging collective and localized resonances in metasurfaces to significantly enhance the sensitivity of plasmonic biosensors. Current single-molecule detection techniques rely heavily on fluorescence microscopy. Recent breakthroughs in Prof. Zijlstra’s group have demonstrated the use of metallic nanoparticles to amplify fluorescence intensity, enabling the study of previously inaccessible microsecond dynamics. The next step involves designing novel metasurfaces with multiple resonances to further boost fluorescence enhancement, opening new possibilities for single-molecule biosensing. As a PhD candidate, you will work on the colloidal assembly of plasmonic metasurfaces, functionalize these surfaces with biomolecules such as DNA, and experimentally quantify fluorescence enhancement mechanisms using single-molecule spectroscopy and super-resolution microscopy. Your research will address key questions in the field, such as optimizing metasurface design for maximum fluorescence brightness and probing enhancement factors through advanced single-molecule experiments. The project is supervised by Prof. Zijlstra (Molecular Plasmonics group) and co-supervised by Prof. Gomez Rivas (Surface Photonics group), both part of the Department of Applied Physics and Science Education. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of physicists, chemists, and biomedical engineers, as well as other PhD students working on related topics in metasurface-based fluorescence manipulation. The Molecular Plasmonics group specializes in developing plasmonic and nanophotonic biosensors with single-molecule sensitivity, utilizing state-of-the-art single-molecule microscopes and wet-chemical labs for sample preparation. The Surface Photonics group investigates light-matter interactions across a wide frequency range, using resonant structures such as metallic and dielectric nanoparticles and metasurfaces. Both groups are part of the larger research clusters "Optical Sensing" and "Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics." This position offers full funding, including a stipend and tuition coverage. Applicants should have a strong background in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related discipline, with experience in nanophotonics, plasmonics, or biosensing considered an asset. The ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and proficiency in English are required. To apply, visit the AcademicTransfer link provided. Prepare your CV, motivation letter, and academic transcripts. For further information, contact the Molecular Plasmonics group at Eindhoven University of Technology.