Postdoc on Thermal Management of Plasmonic Nanostructures

The Department of Applied Physics and Science Education at Eindhoven University of Technology is offering a 2-year postdoctoral position focused on the thermal management of plasmonic nanostructures. This collaborative project, supervised by Prof. Peter Zijlstra (Molecular Plasmonics group) and co-supervised by Prof. Klaas-Jan Tielrooij (Ultrafast Dynamics in Nanoscale Systems group), aims to develop innovative approaches to measure and reduce local temperatures around optically excited plasmonic structures. The research addresses a key challenge in plasmonics: photothermal heating, which can negatively impact applications such as biosensing, photovoltaics, and imaging. The successful candidate will leverage materials with high thermal conductivities, such as 2D materials, to achieve efficient cooling of photo-excited nanoparticles. Responsibilities include preparing material samples, quantifying thermal conduction using advanced optical techniques like nanothermometry and ultrafast spectroscopy, and developing numerical models for nanoscale heat dissipation. The Molecular Plasmonics group specializes in developing plasmonic and nanophotonic biosensors with single-molecule sensitivity, working in a multidisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art optical microscopes and wet-chemical labs. The Ultrafast Dynamics group focuses on understanding heat conduction in nanosystems using optical and optoelectronic techniques with high temporal and spatial resolution. Applicants should have a PhD in optics, photonics, or microscopy, with experience in plasmonic or photothermal processes and numerical modeling considered an advantage. Fluency in English (C1 level) and a research-oriented attitude are required. The position offers full-time employment for two years, a competitive salary (scale 10, €4,241–€5,538), year-end bonus, vacation pay, and additional benefits such as partially paid parental leave, commuting and home working allowances, and support for international candidates. The university provides a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international research environment, with excellent technical infrastructure and opportunities for professional development. Applications should be submitted online and must include a cover letter, CV with publication list and references, and a copy or link to the PhD thesis. The vacancy will remain open until filled, with a formal deadline of December 6, 2025.