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PhD Position Broadband Semiconductor Photodetectors for Spectropolarimetric Imaging
Develop CMOS-compatible broadband photodetectors for compact spectropolarimetric cameras. You will design, fabricate and characterise detector structures for space-based Earth observation.
Job description
Compact instruments that measure both the spectrum and polarisation of light can improve the monitoring of aerosols and other atmospheric constituents from space. The INTERPRETER project is developing an integrated spectropolarimeter in which photonic-crystal filter arrays are combined directly with an imaging detector. This approach could reduce instrument size and enable more scalable acquisition than conventional systems.
This PhD position focuses on a broadband semiconductor photodetector platform spanning the visible and short-wave infrared (SWIR). You will translate system requirements into detector specifications, design and model suitable device structures, develop a CMOS-compatible fabrication and integration route, and fabricate experimental devices. You will characterise spectral responsivity and quantum efficiency, dark current, noise, linearity, uniformity and stability. You will also investigate detector integration with the overlying photonic-crystal filters, including alignment and integration tolerances, optical crosstalk between neighbouring filter–pixel channels, electrical crosstalk within the detector array, and calibration requirements.
The final objective is to demonstrate and quantitatively benchmark a detector or detector array suitable for integration into a compact spectropolarimetric camera. You will work in the Electronic Instrumentation group of the Department of Microelectronics at TU Delft, supervised by Prof. Kofi Makinwa and Dr. Padmakumar R. Rao. You will collaborate closely with the parallel metaoptics PhD researcher, SRON and the other INTERPRETER partners.
Job requirements
A Master’s degree in electrical engineering, microelectronics, applied physics, photonics, materials science, nanotechnology or a related discipline.
A solid foundation in semiconductor device physics, particularly photodetectors or image sensors.
Experience in at least one of the following: semiconductor processing, cleanroom fabrication, device modelling or TCAD, electrical characterisation, or optical detector characterisation.
Experience measuring spectral responsivity, quantum efficiency, dark current or noise is an advantage.
Ability to analyse experimental data and use scientific programming or simulation tools such as Python, MATLAB, COMSOL or equivalent software.
Ability to plan experiments systematically, quantify uncertainty and document results reproducibly.
Proficiency in written and spoken English, with the ability to collaborate across device, optics and system disciplines.
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 of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.
, Mathematics and Computer Science.
Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - € 4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
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 Dr. Padmakumar R. Rao, via
[email protected].
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 1 Sep 2026 upload the following documents:
CV
Motivational letter
Academic transcrips
thesis/writing sample.
You can address your application to Dr. Padmakumar R. Rao.
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.
Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
Faculty/Department: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics & Computer Science
Salary range: €3204 - € 4051
Submission is possible until: 1 Sep 2026
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