Curious how we can turn a scanning electron microscope into a surface-sensitive diffractive microscope? Excited about building novel electron-optical systems? We're looking for you!
Job description
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the Curious Beams Lab at Delft University of Technology and lead the instrumentation development for BEAMSurf: Diffractive Atomic-Scale Surface Imaging with Backscattered Electrons, an ERC Starting Grant project led by Dr. Georgios Varnavides.
BEAMSurf aims to develop a new type of scanning electron microscope that uses coherent backscattered electrons for diffractive imaging of material surfaces. By combining electron optics, MEMS technology, experimental microscopy, and computational imaging, we aim to open new possibilities for high-resolution surface imaging at low electron energies.
As the postdoctoral researcher, you will take the technical and scientific ownership of the instrument development, from electron-optical design through to fabrication, integration and experimental demonstration. You will work closely with two PhD candidates with complimentary roles: one will focus on experimental imaging, microscope characterization, and establishing the imaging methodology, while the other will develop computational imaging approaches and apply them to surface science. You will also work closely with the PI and an electron-optics technician supporting the project.
A central challenge is to develop compact electron-optical components that can separate the desired coherent backscattered-electron signal from the primary beam and direct it towards a dedicated detector. You will design and characterize these components, coordinate their fabrication and integration, and lead the commisioning and optimization of the experimental instrument.
Your work will span electron-optical design, electromagnetic and ray-tracing simulations, MEMS and nanofabrication, vacuum technology, detector integration and experimental microscopy. Working with the experimental-imaging PhD candidate, you will establish the performance of the instrument and the conditions needed to acquire high-quality diffraction data. You will also work with computational-imaging PhD candidate to connect the experimental measurements to reconstruction and imaging methods.
The position offers substantial scope to shape the technical direction of the project and to develop new instrumentation from concept through to experimental demonstration. You will have access to a new high-vacuum SEM acquired primarily for BEAMSurf, together with the broader electron microscopy infrastructure of the department.
This position is particularly suited to candidates with a background in electron optics, charged-particle optics, electron microscopy, electromagnetic simulation or scientific instrumentation. Experience with MEMS, nanofabrication, vacuum systems, detector technology or experimental microscopy is valuable. We are also interested in candidates who have developed complex experimental instrumentation in adjacent fields and are motivated to apply their expertise to electron microscopy.
Research Environment
You will join the Curious Beams Lab, led by Dr. Georgios Varnavides, within the Microscopy and Instrumentation Techniques (MInT) cluster of the Department of Imaging Physics at TU Delft, Applied Sciences.
The MInT cluster brings together multiple research groups working across electron microscopy, from semiconductor inspection and metrology, to cryogenic electron microscopy for biological samples. The cluster has access to state-of-the-art field-emission SEMs and FIB-SEMS, with a new microscope being acquired primarily for this project.
More broadly, the ImPhys department provides an interdisciplinary environment spanning multiple imaging modalities, wavelengths, and length scaels, including extreme ultraviolet imaging, optical super-resolution, ultrasound and MRI, as-well as AI-based medical imaging.
Job requirements
We are looking for a curious and motivated researcher who wants to develop new experimental capabilities at the intersection of electron optics, instrumentation and imaging science.
You have:
- A PhD degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field.
- A 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.
- The ability to work effectively across disciplinary boundaries and contribute actively to a collaborative research team.
- Good written and spoken English communication skills.
- You are available to start in the first half of 2027, with some flexibility around the exact start date.
Experience or interest in electron optics, ray tracing, electromagnetic simulation, MEMS, nanofabrication, vacuum systems, detector technology, electronics or experimental microscopy is particularly valuable.
Experience with electron microscopy is useful but not essential if you have a strong background in related instrumentation or charged-particle optics and are motivated to learn.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.
For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.
At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.
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.
Conditions of employment
- Duration of contract is 2,5 years. Temporary.
- A job of 36-40 hours per week.
- Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
- An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
- The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
- Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
- Flexible working week.
- Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
- Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
- Partially paid parental leave
- Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Georgios Varnavides at g.varnavides@tudelft.nl.
For additional information about the Curious Beams Labs and our research programme, please visit https://cbl.curve.space/.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 8 November 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- A motivation letter describing your research interests and experience.
- Your CV - if the applicants are selected for an interview, they 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.
You can address your application to Dr. Georgios Varnavides.
Please note:
This is an EU funded project, named BEAMSurf, with project number 101301679, within program HE / ERC.
You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
Working at TU Delft
Join the oldest and largest technical university in the Netherlands. Work on clever solutions for worldwide challenges, to change the world and make an impact. Ready to bring your energy to our research? Challenge, change, impact!