Delft University of Technology
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4 days ago
PhD Positions in Diffractive Electron Imaging of Surfaces at TU Delft Delft University of Technology in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
PhD employment for 4 years in principle, split into two contracts (initial 1.5 years plus 2.5 years subject to progress). Salary ranges from €3204 to €4051 gross per month based on full-time employment, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. EU-funded project (BEAMSurf, ERC Starting Grant).
Deadline
Nov 8, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Delft University of Technology
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About this position
Two PhD positions are open at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Curious Beams Lab within the Microscopy and Instrumentation Techniques (MInT) cluster of the Department of Imaging Physics. The project, BEAMSurf: Diffractive Atomic-Scale Surface Imaging with Backscattered Electrons, is led by Dr. Georgios Varnavides and is funded by an ERC Starting Grant / EU project.
The research aims to develop a new surface-sensitive diffractive microscope using coherent backscattered electrons for high-resolution imaging of material surfaces during operation. The work sits at the intersection of electron microscopy, electron optics, surface science, computational imaging, and inverse problems.
There are two complementary PhD directions:
PhD 1: Electron Optics and Experimental Imaging — develop and experimentally realize the electron-optical imaging platform, including miniature electron-optical components, high-vacuum SEM integration, signal separation, detector design, ray tracing, nanofabrication, vacuum technology, and experimental microscopy.
PhD 2: Computational Imaging and Surface Science — develop forward models and inverse-scattering methods for reflection-mode electron imaging, using simulations and reconstructions to extract high-resolution surface information and study evolving surfaces such as oxidation, interfacial reactions, and electrically driven changes.
Applicants should have an MSc degree or equivalent in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, computer science, or a closely related field. Strong English skills, analytical ability, and motivation for collaborative research are required. Experience with electron optics, electromagnetic simulation, MEMS, nanofabrication, vacuum systems, instrumentation, scientific programming, numerical simulation, diffraction, or materials characterization is especially relevant.
The positions are 4-year PhD employment contracts in principle, with salary from €3204 to €4051 gross per month, plus holiday allowance and end-of-year bonus. The project is EU funded. TU Delft also mentions support such as a customizable compensation package, health insurance discounts, relocation support, and a dual career programme.
Application deadline: 8 November 2026. Apply online through the TU Delft application button and upload a motivation letter, CV, MSc thesis abstract (or equivalent research summary), and Bachelor transcript. Applications by email or post will not be processed.
Funding details
PhD employment for 4 years in principle, split into two contracts (initial 1.5 years plus 2.5 years subject to progress). Salary ranges from €3204 to €4051 gross per month based on full-time employment, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. EU-funded project (BEAMSurf, ERC Starting Grant).
What's required
Applicants need an MSc degree or equivalent in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, computer science, or a closely related field. Strong interest in experimental physics, electron microscopy, imaging science, or a related area is required, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and good written and spoken English. Candidates should be available to start in 2027, with some flexibility. For the experimental direction, experience or interest in electron optics, electromagnetic simulation, nanofabrication, MEMS, vacuum systems, instrumentation, electronics, or experimental microscopy is particularly valuable. For the computational direction, experience or interest in scientific programming, numerical simulation, inverse problems, computational imaging, diffraction, electron microscopy, or materials characterization is particularly valuable.
How to apply
Apply online via the application button no later than 8 November 2026. Upload a motivation letter, CV, MSc thesis abstract or equivalent research summary, and Bachelor transcript. Do not send applications by email or post.
More information can be found here
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