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PhD Position in Optical Metasurfaces Controlling Quantum Electron Wavepackets AMOLF in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Electrical Engineering
Funding
This is a full-time, four-year temporary appointment at 40 hours per week. The starting salary is €3,115 gross per month, with a range of employment benefits. AMOLF assists new international PhD students with housing and visa applications and compensates transport and furnishing expenses. PhD students can also access specialized courses and state-of-the-art research facilities.
Country
Netherlands
University
AMOLF
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About this position
AMOLF invites applications for a four-year PhD position in optical metasurfaces controlling quantum electron wavepackets, based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, with a planned start date of 1 December 2026.
The project investigates fundamental interactions between high-energy electrons and extreme optical fields in a scanning electron microscope. Using photon-induced near-field electron microscopy (PINEM), the research will explore how electrons exchange energy with intense, strongly confined light fields and how this interaction can be used to shape electron wavepackets, including attosecond electron pulse trains.
The PhD researcher will design, fabricate, and characterize non-local optical metasurfaces using structured two-dimensional dielectrics and nanometer-thin transition-metal dichalcogenide layers. The work includes PINEM theory and modeling, ultrafast electron microscopy, nanofabrication in the Amsterdam NanoCenter cleanroom, metasurface integration, coherent PINEM interactions, cathodoluminescence, electron-photon correlations, and quantum-eraser experiments.
The student will work in the Photonic Materials group led by Professor Albert Polman at AMOLF, in close collaboration with the 2D Nanophotonics group led by Dr. Jorik van de Groep at the University of Amsterdam. After successful completion, the PhD degree will be awarded by the University of Amsterdam.
Candidates must hold an MSc in physics or an equivalent qualification and should have a strong physics background with an interest in nanophotonics, quantum physics, nanofabrication, electron microscopy, optical metasurfaces, and light-matter interactions. The position is full-time for four years, with a starting salary of €3,115 gross per month plus employment benefits. AMOLF provides support with housing and visa applications for international students and compensates transport and furnishing expenses. Applications should be submitted online through the AMOLF vacancy portal.
Funding details
This is a full-time, four-year temporary appointment at 40 hours per week. The starting salary is €3,115 gross per month, with a range of employment benefits. AMOLF assists new international PhD students with housing and visa applications and compensates transport and furnishing expenses. PhD students can also access specialized courses and state-of-the-art research facilities.
What's required
Applicants must be highly motivated, have a strong background in physics or an equivalent field, and possess a keen interest in nanophotonics, quantum physics, nanofabrication, and electron microscopy. Prospective PhD candidates must hold an MSc degree in physics or an equivalent qualification. The position is open to candidates from all backgrounds, with particular encouragement for applicants from underrepresented groups. Online screening may be part of the selection process.
How to apply
Apply online through the AMOLF vacancy page using the “Apply now” button. Applicants should submit their application through the online portal; online screening may be part of the selection process.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.