Postdoc Optomechanical sensing technology

Postdoc Optomechanical sensing technology

Work Activities

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to work on cutting‑edge optomechanical sensors. The project is part of a close collaboration between the Photonic Forces group at AMOLF, led by Ewold Verhagen, and the group of Simon Gröblacher at TU Delft. The position is embedded in QSTeM, a recently established Testbed for mechanical sensing, where novel sensors are designed, benchmarked, and developed with both academic and industrial partners.

The project is mainly carried out at the QSTeM laboratory in Delft, and partly at the AMOLF institute in Amsterdam.

Mechanical resonators can serve as excellent sensors for a wide range of signals such as accelerations and electromagnetic fields, with applications ranging from industrial process control and biomedicine to inertial navigation. Recent progress in ultralow‑dissipation nanomechanical platforms and quantum‑limited optical measurement and control techniques have enabled mechanical resonators with exquisite sensing properties. This project aims to accelerate the introduction of optomechanical sensor technology to the market.

We focus on exploiting the intrinsically high sensitivity of these platforms while addressing critical practical aspects such as robustness, reproducibility, and system integration and packaging. This applied orientation creates an excellent opportunity to explore meaningful research questions while engaging directly with the challenges and needs faced by industry. In addition to conducting research, you will actively contribute to measurements and benchmarking services for external partners, supporting QSTeM’s mission as a reliable and high‑performance testing facility.

You will be primarily based at QSTeM’s facility in Delft, working day‑to‑day alongside the joint teams. This unique facility brings together researchers from AMOLF and TU Delft in a highly interdisciplinary and application‑driven setting, focused on advancing optomechanical sensing technologies. The working environment is collaborative and international, offering the opportunity to work closely with both academic teams and industrial partners. At the same time, you will be a full member of the Photonic Forces group at AMOLF, embedded in a rich research and teaching environment studying various topics within nanophotonics and nanomechanics and having access to its state‑of‑art facilities.

Please send your application at the latest by February 17, 2026.

Qualifications

We seek an excellent candidate with a background in optomechanics, nanophotonics, nano‑engineering, or other related fields. Hands‑on experience with nanofabrication, quantum optics, or nanomechanics is a plus. You need to have a doctoral degree, or have met all the requirements and will receive the doctoral degree shortly. The successful candidate has a collaborative spirit and will liaise with collaborators. We strongly believe in the benefits of an inclusive and diverse environment, and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

Work environment

As mentioned above, the QSTeM project is a joint undertaking under the direction of Dr. Letizia Catalini and coordinated by Prof. Simon Gröblacher at TU Delft and Prof. Ewold Verhagen  QSTeM team strives to create a positive, collaborative environment for professional development and joint learning, strongly valuing equality, respect, and diversity in all aspects. At AMOLF, it is linked to the Photonic Forces group of Ewold Verhagen, which studies nanomechanics and nanophotonics in devices ranging from photonic crystals and metamaterials to high‑quality optomechanical resonators.

We investigate the fundamental physics associated with light‑matter interactions, which are enhanced through optical field confinement in tailored nanophotonic systems, as well as the applications they allow. Specific topics of interest include topological photonics, non‑Hermitian dynamics, and quantum measurement in nano‑optomechanical systems. The group combines theory and experiment, including design and nanofabrication. It is part of the Center for Nanophotonics, where multiple groups collaborate on…