Postdoc Optomechanical IR Sensing

Sensing enabled by optomechanical systems

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a collaborative project between TU Delft (Simon Gröblacher’s group) and AMOLF (Ewold Verhagen’s group), centered around the development of cutting-edge optomechanical sensors. The position is embedded within QSTeM, a recently established Testbed for mechanical sensing led by Letizia Catalini, where novel sensors are designed, benchmarked, and developed with both academic and industrial partners.

The research conducted within this framework will initially focus on the development of optomechanical devices for infrared sensing and imaging. Infrared sensing will serve as a starting point for the project, while other sensing modalities and device concepts may be explored as the work develops and new application opportunities emerge.

The work will span several aspects of sensor development, including device and material engineering, nanofabrication, optical characterization, and measurement protocols. Particular attention will be given to the design and fabrication of nanostructured devices and to understanding how material properties, thermal transport, and device geometry influence sensor performance. The project will also explore strategies to improve sensitivity, stability, reproducibility, and robustness, with the broader goal of advancing optomechanical sensor technology toward real-world applications. This applied and interdisciplinary orientation creates an excellent opportunity to explore fundamental research questions while engaging directly with the challenges associated with developing reliable and high-performance sensor systems.

In addition to conducting research, the postdoc will actively contribute to measurements and benchmarking services for external partners. This includes performing characterization of sensor devices developed by collaborators and supporting QSTeM’s mission as a reliable and high-performance testing facility.

The researcher will be primarily based at the QSTeM testbed facility in Delft, working day-to-day with the joint TU Delft and AMOLF teams. Led by Letizia Catalini, QSTeM provides a highly interdisciplinary and application-driven setting in which researchers from both institutions work closely together and interact with academic and industrial partners.

Additionally, the postdoc will be part of the Gröblacher group at the Department of Quantum Nanoscience at TU Delft, with full access to mentoring, to group activities and to an exciting and collaborative environment and to state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced cleanroom infrastructure for realizing next-generation nanostructures.

At the Gröblacher Lab, we aim to create an inclusive environment where a diverse mix of talented people can learn, pursue their scientific interests, and do their best work. We are committed to promoting equality, creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone, and fostering diversity across race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, socioeconomic background, and the many other characteristics that shape our perspectives and experiences. We believe that diversity strengthens both our science and our community.

Job requirements

• PhD in optomechanics, nanophotonics, nano-engineering, applied physics, or a related field.

• Strong hands-on experience with nanofabrication and the development of nanoscale, photonic, or optomechanical devices.

• Experience with experimental optics, photonics, optomechanics, nanomechanics, or optical sensing.

• Interest in device and material engineering, including the role of material properties and thermal transport in sensor performance.

• A collaborative mindset and strong communication skills.

• Experience with numerical modelling and simulation of mechanical or optical systems (e.g. finite-element simulations) is an advantage.

• Prior experience with infrared sensing, multimode mechanical systems, or advanced sensing protocols is a plus.

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.

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

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years. Temporary.

• A job of 38 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

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Recruitment-tnw@tudelft.nl .

For more information about our work and this position please see https://nl.linkedin.com/company/qstemnl/ and https://groeblacherlab.tudelft.nl .

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than  11 November 2026  via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Cover letter, in your cover letter (max. 1 A4) please elaborate on your vision on mechanics based sensing / your experience with related topics / your motivation to join our team / your personal drive and ambitions. Please note that in line with our department's vision, we value personally written letters with "imperfections" above AI generated "perfection".

• CV, in your CV please ensure your previous level of experience with nanofabrication, quantum optics, photonics and / or nanomechanics is clearly stated.

You can address your application to Simon Groeblacher.

Please note

• 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.

• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.