PhD Position(s) Diffractive Electron Imaging of Surfaces
Join the Curious Beams Lab to develop a novel scanning electron microscope for atomic-scale surface imaging.
Best for:Best for candidates with a background in physics or engineering interested in instrumentation, electron optics, or computational imaging.
Overview
The Curious Beams Lab at Delft University of Technology is seeking two PhD candidates to contribute to the BEAMSurf project, an ERC-funded initiative focused on developing a new diffractive electron imaging technique. The project aims to overcome current resolution limits in low-energy scanning electron microscopy by utilizing coherent backscattered electrons. Candidates will work in an interdisciplinary environment within the Microscopy and Instrumentation Techniques cluster, focusing on either experimental instrumentation or computational imaging methods. Successful applicants will help build the experimental and theoretical foundations for observing material surfaces during operation.
What you'll do
- Design, characterize, and integrate miniature electron-optical components into a high-vacuum scanning electron microscope.
- Develop forward models and inverse-scattering approaches for reflection-mode electron imaging.
- Perform ray tracing simulations and nanofabrication tasks to support experimental platform development.
- Establish experimental imaging methodologies and optimize microscope performance for diffractive imaging.
- Apply computational methods to experimental datasets to study surface evolution processes such as oxidation and interfacial reactions.
- Collaborate with a postdoctoral researcher and other team members to advance the BEAMSurf project goals.
Requirements
Degree required: MSc degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, computer science, or a closely related field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for scientific communication and thesis writing.
Instruction: English
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and contribute to a collaborative research team.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Strong interest in experimental physics, electron microscopy, or imaging science.
- Must hold an MSc degree or equivalent by the start date.
- Must be available to start in 2027.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-08
Applications must be submitted via the online portal. Candidates should provide a motivation letter, CV, MSc thesis abstract, and Bachelor's degree transcript.
- Motivation letter
- CV
- MSc thesis abstract
- Bachelor's degree transcript
Contact
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