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PhD Position Projection System for TE Imaging in Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
PhD Position: High resolution Transmission Electron Imaging in Scanning Electron Microscopy
Job description
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is one of the most widely used imaging tools in nanoscience, materials research, semiconductor manufacturing, and the life sciences. Despite its wide applications and accessibility, the highest spatial resolution is still obtained through transmission electron (TE) imaging, which can only be done through a large, expensive, and highly specialized (Scanning) Transmission Electron Microscopes ((S)TEM). The aim of this project is to "democratize" this imaging technique by bringing transformative TE techniques, including electron diffraction, low-energy STEM, and phase-contrast imaging, to compact, affordable, and widely accessible SEM platforms.
As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you will work closely with our industrial partner Delmic, a world-leading company in correlative and multimodal microscopy, to develop a proof-of-concept transmission electron projection column based on miniaturized electron-optical components. The ambition is to create a compact, cost-effective projection system that can be integrated into conventional SEMs, enabling high-resolution transmission imaging alongside complementary modalities such as light microscopy, cathodoluminescence, and focused ion beam processing. By combining the strengths of multiple imaging techniques within a single instrument, this technology has the potential to significantly expand the capabilities and accessibility of electron microscopy.
Working at the intersection of electron optics, MEMS technology, microscopy instrumentation, and imaging physics, you will design, simulate, fabricate, and experimentally validate a novel MEMS-based transmission electron projection column integrated inside an SEM. The project combines theoretical modelling, numerical simulations, hardware development, precision engineering, and experimental validation, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation electron microscopy instrumentation.
The four-year research programme is organized into three main phases. During the first phase, you will develop analytical and numerical models describing the electron optics of the projection column and optimize its performance through large-scale simulations. You will use commercial electron-optical simulation software but also develop custom Python-based modelling tools developed within the project. Your research will be supported by access to DelftBlue, TU Delft's state-of-the-art high-performance computing infrastructure, enabling computationally intensive simulations and optimization. In the second phase, you will work closely with our experienced technical staff to design and realize the electron-optical components. Depending on the final design, these components will be fabricated using advanced MEMS technology, high-precision machining, or a combination of both. You will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art microfabrication and cleanroom facilities, while also contributing to the development of the associated electronics, vacuum hardware, and experimental instrumentation required for the prototype. The final phase focuses on assembling, testing, and validating the prototype inside an SEM. You will compare experimental measurements with numerical predictions to validate the physical models and further optimize the instrument design.
Throughout the project, you will work closely with researchers at TU Delft and engineers at Delmic, with opportunities for regular interaction and knowledge exchange between academia and industry. As part of your PhD, you will publish your findings in leading international journals, present your work at major scientific conferences, and contribute to the supervision of BSc and MSc students through laboratory work, tutorials, and research projects.
You will join "the Gheidari Lab" part of the Microscopy Instrumentation and Techniques (MInT) Group within the Department of Imaging Physics at TU Delft.
Job requirements
You are a highly motivated researcher with a strong interest in electron optics, instrumentation development, and computational modelling, eager to bridge simulation and experiment to realize next-generation electron microscopy systems. You enjoy working at the interface of fundamental research and industrial innovation, collaborating with both academic and industrial partners to achieve tangible results. Embracing the opportunity to work with leading industrial partners, you know how to collaborate and achieve meaningful results geared to the development of pragmatic applications. You also put your curiosity to good use: you don’t take anomalies for granted and take the initiative to dig deeper and spar with experts. Harnessing your communication skills, you convince colleagues at TU Delft and Delmic of your approach, models and programs. And you enjoy interacting with and coaching talented bachelor and master students, while expanding your own knowledge and competencies.
You also have:
An MSc degree in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
Demonstrable skills in numerical modeling, simulation, and data analysis.
A solid understanding of Physics, Optics, Electron Optics, MEMS, exeprimenntal physics and microscopy systems.
A proactive and curious mindset, with the ability to explore complex problems independently and collaboratively.
A good command of spoken and written English, as you’ll be working in an internationally diverse community. You will also write scientific articles and your dissertation in English and participate in English-taught courses.
An enthusiasm for coaching bachelor and master students, and for presenting your work in scientific articles and international conferences.
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.
about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Ali Gheidari, via
[email protected].
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 24 August 2026 upload the following documents:
Motivation letter.
Detailed CV.
Copies of your BSc and MSc degrees and transcripts.
You can address your application to Dr. Ali Gheidari.
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.
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.
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. .
Please do not contact us for unsolicited services
Faculty/Department: Faculty of Applied Sciences
Salary range: €3059 - €3881
Submission is possible until: 24 Aug 2026
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