Summary
Are you curious about transforming a scanning electron microscope into a surface-sensitive diffractive microscope? Do you have a passion for building novel electron-optical systems? Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to lead the instrumentation development for the BEAMSurf project, an ERC Starting Grant. This project aims to develop a new type of scanning electron microscope for atomic-scale surface imaging using coherent backscattered electrons.
The position offers significant scope to shape the technical direction of the project, from electron-optical design to experimental demonstration, working within a collaborative research environment in the Curious Beams Lab.
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area
- Electron Optics
- Instrumentation Development
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
- Diffractive Imaging
- Charged-Particle Optics
- Electromagnetic Simulation
- MEMS & Nanofabrication
- Vacuum Technology
- Detector Integration
- Experimental Microscopy
Location
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Curious Beams Lab, Microscopy and Instrumentation Techniques (MInT) cluster, Department of Imaging Physics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft, Netherlands.
Eligibility/Qualification
- A PhD degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
- Strong background in experimental physics, electron optics, electron microscopy, charged-particle optics, or scientific instrumentation.
- Experience designing, building, or characterizing experimental systems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently.
- Experience with numerical simulation, scientific programming, or electromagnetic modelling is valuable.
- Ability to work effectively across disciplinary boundaries and contribute actively to a collaborative research team.
- Good written and spoken English communication skills.
- Availability to start in the first half of 2027 (with some flexibility).
- Experience or interest in electron optics, ray tracing, electromagnetic simulation, MEMS, nanofabrication, vacuum systems, detector technology, electronics or experimental microscopy is particularly valuable.
Job Description
As the postdoctoral researcher for the BEAMSurf project, you will take technical and scientific ownership of the instrument development. Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading the development of a new scanning electron microscope for diffractive imaging of material surfaces using coherent backscattered electrons.
- From electron-optical design through to fabrication, integration, and experimental demonstration.
- Designing and characterizing compact electron-optical components to separate the desired coherent backscattered-electron signal from the primary beam and direct it towards a dedicated detector.
- Coordinating fabrication and integration of components, and leading the commissioning and optimization of the experimental instrument.
- Conducting electron-optical design, electromagnetic and ray-tracing simulations.
- Working with MEMS and nanofabrication, vacuum technology, detector integration, and experimental microscopy.
- Collaborating closely with two PhD candidates (one focused on experimental imaging, the other on computational imaging) and the PI and an electron-optics technician.
- Establishing the performance of the instrument and the conditions for acquiring high-quality diffraction data.
- Connecting experimental measurements to reconstruction and imaging methods.
- Contributing to a vibrant research environment within the Curious Beams Lab and the broader MInT cluster.
Conditions of Employment
- Duration: 2.5 years (temporary contract).
- Working Hours: 36-40 hours per week (1.0 FTE).
- Salary Range: €3706 – €5760 (in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
- Excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
- Possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
- Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
- Flexible working week.
- 232 leave hours per year (at 38 hours), with options to sell or buy additional leave hours.
- Plenty of opportunities for education, training, and courses.
- Partially paid parental leave.
- Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
- Relocation support for international candidates, including a Dual Career Programme for accompanying partners.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply online via the application button. Please do not send applications by email or post. The application should include the following documents:
- A motivation letter describing your research interests and experience.
- Your CV (if selected for an interview, you will be asked to provide contact details of at least 3 referees with their consent).
- Your PhD thesis abstract (or equivalent research summary).
- Transcripts of your MSc and Bachelor degrees.
Please address your application to Dr. Georgios Varnavides. Note: This is an EU-funded project (BEAMSurf, project number 101301679, program HE / ERC).
Last Date for Apply
8 November 2026
