Thierry Verbiest

This PhD scholarship at KU Leuven is part of the CHIRALNANOMAT Doctoral Network (MSCA – Horizon Europe), a multidisciplinary collaboration involving 7 laboratories and 6 companies across 7 European countries. The Quantum Solid-state Physics (QSP) research unit, within the Department of Physics and Astronomy, specializes in experimental research on solid-state systems, focusing on quantum phenomena at atomic and microscopic scales. The project merges physics, chemistry, and biosciences to advance the synthesis and characterization of chiral metal nanoclusters, with applications in catalysis and biosensing. The doctoral candidate will investigate the self-organization of chiral monolayer-protected metal nanoclusters on inert surfaces, examining how annealing conditions, cluster size, and ligand type affect organization. The research includes nonlinear optical characterization to correlate chiral optical properties with structural organization. Training will cover surface preparation using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique, structural analysis via atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy, electronic characterization with scanning tunneling spectroscopy, and nonlinear optical characterization, particularly second harmonic generation. A secondment will provide theoretical modeling experience. The position offers a stimulating environment at KU Leuven, a leading European university, and includes short research stays at TU Vienna, the Italian National Research Council (CNR, Pisa), and Furukawa Institute of Technology (Budapest). The CHIRALNANOMAT network provides cross-cutting expertise and skills through seminars, workshops, and secondments, preparing candidates for careers in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field, strong academic performance, English fluency, and comply with the MSCA mobility rule. The position is fully funded, with salary, social security, and mobility allowance. KU Leuven values diversity and inclusivity, offering support for accessibility and equal opportunity.

This PhD position at KU Leuven focuses on the nonlinear optical characterization of chiral surfaces, conducted within the Molecular Electronics and Photonics Lab (MEP) of the Department of Chemistry. The successful candidate will join the CHIRALNANOMAT Doctoral Network (MSCA – Horizon Europe), a collaborative European training program in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The research will investigate the nonlinear optical properties of size-selected metal clusters in solution using advanced techniques such as polarization-resolved second and third harmonic scattering and circularly polarized hyper-Rayleigh scattering. A significant part of the project will involve studying chiral surfaces composed of nanostructures, employing coherent second-harmonic generation to analyze surface organization, chirality, and symmetry, complemented by advanced spectroscopic measurements. The position offers a stimulating and diverse research environment at KU Leuven, a leading European university recognized for its research excellence. The CHIRALNANOMAT network provides comprehensive training, including local expert training, network-wide secondments, and a series of seminars, workshops, and schools, ensuring doctoral candidates gain cross-cutting expertise valued in both academia and industry. The candidate will primarily work in Leuven, with short research stays at Technische Universität Wien, University of Geneva, and Invisible Light Labs GmbH for specialized training. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in physics, chemistry, optics, or a related field, demonstrate English proficiency at B2 level or higher, and have strong academic records. Experience in optical setup design, nonlinear optical techniques, and basic knowledge of chemistry and spectroscopy are required; programming skills are advantageous. Candidates must comply with the MSCA mobility rule, meaning they should not have resided or worked in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment. The position is fully funded according to MSCA regulations, including salary and benefits. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. The application deadline is November 20, 2025. For more information, contact Prof. Dr. Thierry Verbiest or Prof. Dr. Ewald Janssens.