Job description

Designing optical imaging systems presents a unique challenge due to the multitude of local minima in the optimization landscape. However, this landscape possesses intriguing characteristics that, when understood in depth, can be harnessed for efficient design.

Your research will focus on the development of new global optimization methods, particularly saddle point methods that leverage the specific properties of the optical design landscape. In partnership with ASML, a global leader in chip-making equipment, you will apply these saddle point optimization methods to the design of imaging mirror systems. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore the potential of artificial intelligence in optical system design.

In the Imaging Physics Department, you will be part of an inspiring, friendly, and supportive community that will nurture your growth as a scientist and designer. This PhD position is part of the Dutch TTW Perspective Program “OPTIC”, and you will also interact with other PhD students in this program, within our department and at other participating universities.

Requirements

We are seeking a candidate with a robust background in physics or a related discipline such as electrical or mechanical engineering, or aerospace. The ideal candidate will possess excellent programming skills, the ability to think abstractly, and the capacity to apply mathematical concepts to practical problems. While experience in optical imaging and lens design is highly desirable, it is not a strict requirement.

The successful candidate will be flexible, capable of working independently as well as collaboratively, and driven by a passion for advancing the fields of science and engineering.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. 

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

Additional information

Should you have questions, please contact Dr. Florian Bociort via email (f.bociort@tudelft.nl). 

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 15-12-2023 via the application button and upload your motivation, CV and list of your Master courses and grades.

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.