Postdoc Development of a Low-Voltage Multi-Beam SEM for High-Throughput Imaging

Postdoc Development of a Low-Voltage Multi-Beam SEM for High-Throughput Imaging | TU Delft

Job description

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) plays a central role in today’s nanoscale imaging across both science and industry. Yet, despite its exceptional spatial resolution, the limited throughput of conventional single-beam SEMs continues to restrict their use in large-area and high-volume applications.

As a Postdoc candidate at TU Delft, working in close collaboration with a PhD student and our industrial partner Delmic and academic partner AMOLF, you will develop a proof-of-concept prototype of a low-voltage multi-beam SEM that combines high-throughput imaging with integrated cathodoluminescence (CL) detection enabling large-area imaging of biological samples.

This four-year research programme will proceed in three main phases. In the initial phase, you will develop and optimize physical and numerical models describing the electron optics of the complete probe-forming column, including the multi-beam generation unit, imaging lenses, scanning system, and signal detection within a multi-beam framework. For this purpose, you will use commercial simulation software tools such as EOD and GPT, while also developing custom Python-based simulation scripts. TU Delft will support your research with access to the DelftBlue supercomputer for large-scale and intensive modelling. In the second phase, you will work / help our technicians on the design and fabrication of electron-optical components, which depending on the final design, may be realized using MEMS technology, conventional precision machining, or a combination of both. Meanwhile, you are also expected to prepare for the final phase which will focus on testing and validating the performance of the prototype, comparing experimental and simulated results to refine both the design and the underlying models. As part of your role, you will publish your findings in scientific journals, present at leading international conferences. You will also help the PI in supervising the associated PhD student in the project and expected to contribute in the supervision of BSc and MSc students through tutorials, exercises, and laboratory work.

You will join the Microscopy Instrumentation and Technique (MInT) group within the Department of Imaging Physics, a multidisciplinary team of researchers specializing in electron and ion optics instrumentation, MEMS electron optics, signal detection, and computational imaging. We foster a welcoming, collaborative, and supportive environment where knowledge exchange and teamwork are strongly encouraged.

Together, we share a drive to conduct fundamental research that leads to next-generation instruments, combining our expertise in physics, electronics, and software technology. 

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:

• PhD 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 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) 

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. 

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

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

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Ali Gheidari (a.m.gheidari@tudelft.nl).

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 1 December 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Detailed CV.
• Motivational letter.

You can address your application to Dr. Ali Gheidari.

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.