PhD-position: Next-generation optomechanical sensing

Work Activities

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to work on cutting-edge optomechanical sensors. The project is part of a close collaboration between the Photonic Forces group at AMOLF, led by Ewold Verhagen, and the group of Simon Gröblacher at TU Delft. They are participating in QSTeM, a recently established Testbed for mechanical sensing, where novel sensors are designed, benchmarked, and developed with both academic and industrial partners. The project is partly carried out at the QSTeM laboratory in Delft and at the AMOLF institute in Amsterdam.

Mechanical resonators can serve as exquisite sensors for a wide range of signals such as accelerations and electromagnetic fields, with applications ranging from industrial process control and biomedicine to inertial navigation. This project seeks to develop novel sensors with high sensitivity and reliability, incorporating ultralow-dissipation resonators and quantum-limited optical measurement and control techniques. While the project takes an application-oriented approach, we are always fascinated by the fundamental physics aspects of advanced sensor technology. The project is at the interface of multiple fields: nano-engineering, optomechanics, and quantum technology. It has a highly experimental character but features strong ties to the theoretical background of the field.

You will be part of the Photonic Forces group at AMOLF, embedded in a rich research environment studying various topics within nanophotonics and nanomechanics. Prof. Ewold Verhagen will serve as your primary PhD advisor. At the same time, you will work closely with the other researchers in the QSTeM team; a highly interdisciplinary and international setting that brings together academic teams and industrial partners.

We offer an open and collaborative environment in which we focus on hands-on learning and personal growth of all group members. We are looking for excited and talented students, who are eager to develop new skills and engage new experimental and theoretical challenges. During your PhD, you will learn and employ all aspects of research on optomechanical sensors: from conceptual design and modelling to nanofabrication in the cleanroom, and from high-precision optical interferometry to writing papers and presenting your results at international conferences.

Please send your application at the latest by January 2, 2026.

Qualifications

We seek an excellent candidate with a background in physics or engineering, with relevant experience (preferably in quantum optics, photonics, (nano)mechanics or general AMO physics). You will need to meet the requirements for an MSc-degree, to ensure eligibility for a Dutch PhD examination. We strongly believe in the benefits of an inclusive and diverse workplace, and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

Work environment

The Photonic Forces team led by prof. Ewold Verhagen studies nanophotonics and nanomechanics. We investigate the fundamental physics associated with photon-phonon interactions in nanostructured devices, as well as the applications they allow. In particular, we explore new ways to measure and control mechanical motion down to the quantum level in optomechanical systems and develop novel sensor technology. All projects in the group involve the use and development of advanced optical measurement techniques and nanofabrication, with extensive support from the group leader and AMOLF technical staff. This project is partly carried out at the QSTeM lab in Delft, in close collaboration with the other team members there. We have a strong focus on stimulating development of students in all professional aspects. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment where passion and enjoyment of science can shine. For more information, see www.optomechanics.nl and www.amolf.nl.

Working conditions

• The working atmosphere at the institute is largely determined by young, enthusiastic, mostly foreign employees. Communication is informal and runs through short lines of communication.
• The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of four years
• The starting salary is 2.968 Euro’s gross per month and a range of employment benefits.
• After successful completion of the PhD research a PhD degree will be granted at Eindhoven University of Technology.
• Several courses are offered, specially developed for PhD-students.
• AMOLF assists any new foreign PhD-student with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

More information?

Prof.dr. Ewold Verhagen
Group leader Photonic Forces
E-mail: verhagen@amolf.nl
Phone: +31 (0)20-754 7100

Application

You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below.
Please annex your:
–  Resume;
–  Motivation on why you want to join the group (max. 1 page).

It is important to us to know why you want to join our team. This means that we will only consider your application if it entails your motivation letter.

The application deadline closes on January 2, 2026.

Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code

AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.