Postdoc Fellow in Algorithm Development for Super-Resolution Microscopy

Job description

We are seeking a talented and creative researcher for a challenging and innovative project focused on developing the next generation of algorithms for high-speed super-resolution microscopy. This project, funded by NWO, is a collaborative effort between experts in innovative microscopy, computational modeling, and optical engineering.

What are you going to do?

In this fully funded position, you will be embedded in a communicative, interdisciplinary team at TU Delft. Your mission will be to design, develop, and implement novel computational methodologies that push the boundaries of what microscopes can achieve. You will create and apply sophisticated algorithms, physics-based simulations, and machine learning models to process complex data from our cutting-edge imaging systems. Your focus will be on translating raw optical signals into clear, quantitative insights, solving challenges in image reconstruction, data analysis, and interpretation.

Your work will involve close collaboration with our experimental team to test and validate your methods on real-world datasets. You will also collaborate with international experts, publish high-quality scientific papers, and contribute to the advancement of this exciting area of research. You will have the opportunity to gain teaching experience and enhance your leadership skills while mentoring students.

About the project
Our goal is to revolutionize high-speed super-resolution imaging through computational innovation. This project focuses on overcoming key limitations in microscopy not by building new hardware, but by creating smarter and more powerful algorithms. You will be responsible for developing novel approaches to data analysis and image formation that dramatically enhance the spatiotemporal resolution, speed, and reliability of our state-of-the-art imaging systems, allowing us to see dynamic processes as never before.

The Carlas Smith Lab

(https://twitter.com/carlasssmith), internationally recognized for the development of next-generation imaging systems, is located within the Department of Delft Center for Systems and Control (DCSC) at TU Delft. The lab develops next-generation imaging systems by synergistically combining novel hardware and information processing algorithms to achieve unprecedented performance. Here at the convergence of artificial intelligence, optics, mechatronics, and electronics, our diverse and interdisciplinary team at DCSC comprises passionate students and postdocs who strive to transcend the boundaries of imaging and actuation technologies by making the invisible visible.

Job requirements

For this innovative, interdisciplinary, and NWO-funded 25-month project, we are looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher with the following qualifications:

• A completed Ph.D. degree in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Data Science, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated practical experience in scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C++), algorithm development, and the analysis of complex, large-scale datasets. Experience with image processing or machine learning is highly desired.
• A strong motivation to develop and apply cutting-edge computational methods—including advanced data analysis, signal/image processing, and pattern recognition—to solve challenges in advanced microscopy.
• An independent, well-organized, and reliable work style, combined with a keen interest and ability to thrive in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong interest in applying computational techniques to scientific imaging and contributing to our interactive lab culture.

We are looking for a friendly and driven colleague to enrich our team. The position is available immediately, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply promptly.

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 Mechanical Engineering 

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems. 

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work. 

Conditions of employment 

• Duration of contract is 25 months Temporary
• A job of 38-40 hours per week. 
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch 
• 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. Carlas Smith, c.s.smith@tudelft.nl, phone: +31 (0)15-2782411.   
For information about the application procedure, please contact Giedo Kocken, HR advisor, recruitment-me@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 30 September 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Carlas Smith.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.