Gomez Rivas

The Eindhoven University of Technology’s Department of Applied Physics and Science Education is offering a fully funded PhD position in the field of colloidal plasmonic metasurfaces for single-molecule fluorescence biosensing. The position is based within the Molecular Plasmonics group, supervised by Prof. Peter Zijlstra, and co-supervised by Prof. Gomez Rivas from the Surface Photonics group. The project aims to develop next-generation single-molecule sensors by leveraging collective and localized resonances in metasurfaces to significantly enhance the sensitivity of plasmonic biosensors. The research will involve the colloidal assembly of plasmonic metasurfaces, functionalization with biomolecules such as DNA, and experimental quantification of fluorescence enhancement mechanisms using advanced single-molecule spectroscopy and super-resolution microscopy. The successful candidate will address key questions in the design and application of plasmonic metasurfaces for record-breaking fluorescence brightness and next-generation biosensing platforms. The Molecular Plasmonics group is multidisciplinary, comprising physicists, chemists, and biomedical engineers, and is equipped with state-of-the-art single-molecule microscopes and wet-chemical labs. The Surface Photonics group focuses on light-matter interactions across a broad frequency range, utilizing resonant structures like nanoparticles and metasurfaces. Applicants should hold a master’s degree in physics or a related field, with experience in nanophotonics, plasmonics, or single-molecule microscopy considered an advantage. Fluency in English (C1 level) and a research-oriented attitude are required. The position offers a four-year full-time contract, with a competitive salary (scale P: €3,059–€3,881 per month), year-end bonus, vacation pay, pension scheme, and additional benefits such as allowances for commuting and internet costs, and a tax compensation scheme for international candidates. The university provides a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research environment, with opportunities for professional development and teaching experience. Applications must be submitted online and include a cover letter, CV with publications and references, and a copy or link to the MSc thesis. The vacancy will remain open until filled, with a formal deadline of December 6, 2025.

The Molecular Plasmonics group at Eindhoven University of Technology is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on the development of advanced metasurfaces for single-molecule biosensing. The project aims to create a new generation of biosensors that utilize both collective and localized resonances in plasmonic metasurfaces to significantly enhance the sensitivity of single-molecule detection. Traditional single-molecule detection techniques rely heavily on fluorescence microscopy, but recent breakthroughs in the group led by Prof. Zijlstra have demonstrated that metallic nanoparticles can be used to amplify fluorescence signals, enabling the observation of microsecond molecular dynamics previously inaccessible. The next step in this research is to design and fabricate novel plasmonic metasurfaces with multiple resonances to further boost fluorescence enhancement. As a PhD candidate, you will work on the colloidal assembly of these metasurfaces, functionalize them with biomolecules such as DNA, and experimentally investigate the mechanisms of fluorescence enhancement using single-molecule spectroscopy and super-resolution microscopy. The research will address key questions about the design and optimization of plasmonic metasurfaces for maximum fluorescence brightness and their application in next-generation biosensors. The project is supervised by Prof. Zijlstra (Molecular Plasmonics group) and co-supervised by Prof. Gomez Rivas (Surface Photonics group), both within the Department of Applied Physics and Science Education. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of physicists, chemists, and biomedical engineers, and have access to state-of-the-art single-molecule microscopes and wet-chemical laboratories. The research environment is highly collaborative, with both groups being part of larger research clusters in optical sensing and photonics. The position is fully funded, and the successful candidate will join a vibrant academic community at Eindhoven University of Technology, located in the Netherlands. Applicants should have a strong background in physics, chemistry, materials science, or related fields, and experience in nanophotonics, plasmonics, or experimental optics is highly desirable. The ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and proficiency in English are required. For more information and to apply, visit the Academic Transfer link provided.