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.

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.