Postdoc Photoacoustic Metrology

Photoacoustic metrology

Job description

In semiconductor manufacturing, optical metrology is a standard method to determine the exact position of printed features on a wafer (overlay), as well as the position of a wafer inside a lithography scanner (alignment). However, as modern integrated circuits often contain optically opaque materials, such optical metrology methods become challenging to use. A possible approach to metrology in structures containing such opaque layers is ultrafast photoacoustics, where a first laser pulse interacts with an opaque medium in such a way that it launches an acoustic pulse that travels into the structure. A second time-delayed laser pulse can then be used to detect any acoustic reflections, which can carry the required information about alignment and overlay.

As a postdoc, your research will be aimed at further developing ultrafast photoacoustics for overlay metrology. You will perform simulations and experiments to explore the feasibility of the approach on basic stack configurations, and will study the influence of increased complexity in the stack layout.

Job requirements 

• Experience with ultrafast photoacoustics experiments is required.
• Experience with simulations of photoacoustic processes (generation, propagation and detection) is considered essential.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written) in English are required.
• Excellent analytical skills and critical thinking are expected.

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 6 months Temporary
• A job of 36-40 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

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof. Stefan Witte, via S.M.Witte@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 4 November 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Prof. Stefan Witte.

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.