Project and job description

This is a four year PhD research project that should lead to a PhD degree at Delft University of Technology. The subject is the detection of ultra-trace levels of organic contaminants. We will excite Surface Plasmon Resonances (SPRs) at suitably designed metallic surfaces and measure the amplitude, phase and polarization state of the reflected electric field. This strongly growing research field is extremely important for contamination control in ultra-clean manufacturing, e.g., in the semiconductor industry. We apply diffraction optics to obtain optimized periodic nano-structured metal layers.

The research comprises theoretical investigations of suitable diffractive structures as well as experimental validations and evaluations of sensitivities and detection limits.

The project will be carried out in the Optics Research Group of Delft University of Technology in collaboration with Philips Research MiPlaza, which will utilize the project results.

Requirements
Applicants should have graduated in physics. Knowledge of geometrical and/or physical optics is recommended. Delft University of Technology is a bilingual organisation. A good command of English (written and spoken) is essential.

Conditions of employment
The extent of this position is a maximum of 38 hours per week (1 FTE). This position has a temporary employment basis of 1 year (12 months). The estimated PhD starting salary is € 2,042 per month gross, with a maximum of € 2,612 gross (based on a full-time appointment and depending on experience). Benefits and other employment conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The successful candidate will be employed by TU Delft for a fixed period of 4 years (48 months). Within nine months from the start of the PhD research, the appointee will present his or her proposal to a scientific committee. If the proposal is approved, the appointment will be extended for another three years within which he/she is expected to write a dissertation leading to the Dr title (PhD thesis). With regard to selection, internal candidates take precedence over external candidates. TU Delft strives to increase the number of women in higher academic positions; women are thus especially encouraged to apply.

Information and application
For further details on the position you are welcome to contact Prof. H.P. Urbach, phone: +31 (0) 15 – 27 86146 or: +31 (0)15 – 27 81444, e-mail: H.P. Urbach at tudelft.nl

To apply, please send a detailed CV together with a letter of motivation to Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, attn. Prof. H.P. Urbach, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands; or apply online to: H.P. Urbach  at tudelft.nl.