PhD Position Superconducting Imaging Spectrometer for Submillimeter-Wave Cosmology (Delft, NL, 2628 CD)
Job description
As a PhD candidate, you will contribute to the development of next-generation superconducting integral field units (IFUs) for terahertz astronomy. The project is based on Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs) and aims to overcome a key technological challenge: scaling up the current single-spaxel DESHIMA 2.0 technology to a multi-pixel IFU consisting of 61 spatial pixels and approximately 3,000 to 15,000 MKIDs integrated on a single 4-inch wafer.
Your work will cover the full development cycle, including detector design, microfabrication, device characterization, and system integration. You will have access to world-class nanofabrication and characterization facilities, including the Kavli Nanolab, the Else Kooi Laboratory, and the cleanroom facilities at SRON.
The developed IFUs will be integrated into the TIFUUN instrument, a new superconducting imaging spectrometer for terahertz astronomy. Beyond laboratory development, you will actively participate in the commissioning and science verification of the TIFUUN system at the ASTE telescope in the Atacama Desert, Chile. This provides a unique opportunity to be involved in both cutting-edge detector technology and astronomical observations.
You will work closely with a postdoctoral researcher who will lead the detector measurements and telescope deployment activities. The project is embedded within the Experimental Astronomy group and involves intensive collaboration with researchers at SRON as well as international partners in Japan. Through these collaborations, you will become part of a multidisciplinary team spanning superconducting detector physics, instrumentation, and observational astronomy.
Job requirements
- Background of Physics, Electrical Engieering, or Astronomy
- Experiece with device fabrication in the clean room (preferably in one of the facilities that are mentioned in the Job Description)
- Familiar with the environment of the Atacama Desert
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.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, 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, Akira Endo, via a.endo@tudelft.nl.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 9 Aug 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- CV
- Motivational letter
You can address your application to Dr, Akira Endo.
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.
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