PhD Position One Ink

Do you want to work on cutting edge nanotechnology research? Are you interested in the physical chemistry and physics of colloidal quantum dot devices?

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a background in physical chemistry or materials physics to join the project “One Ink to Rule Them All:
Integrated Short-Wave Infrared Photodetectors and Light-Emitting Devices Based on III-V Quantum Dots for Wearable Photonic Technologies (ONE INK)”, funded through the Photon Delta National Growth Fund programme. ONE INK aims to develop a single printable quantum‑dot ink that can both emit and detect short‑wave infrared (SWIR) light, enabling a new generation of compact, low‑cost, and wearable health‑sensing technologies. Using III–V semiconductor nanocrystals, the project will create materials that make it possible to monitor key health markers without invasive blood tests.

The ability to print light sources and detectors from one ink directly onto electronics simplifies manufacturing and supports the future of personalised, preventive healthcare. The project will also employ a postdoctoral researcher who will work alongside the PhD candidate.

As a PhD candidate, you will work in the NCFun group of Prof. Arjan Houtepen, with Dr. Tom Savenije as co‑supervisor. You will be embedded in a vibrant research environment and closely collaborate with QDI Systems (Groningen) and imec (Leuven). The position is part of a larger, interdisciplinary team working on the synthesis, characterization and device integration of nanomaterials for optoelectronic applications.

• Physical chemistry and photophysics of semiconductor nanomaterials
• Colloidal chemistry and wet‑chemical synthesis routes
• Surface passivation strategies to control trap densities and charge dynamics
• Fabrication and testing of opto‑electronic devices based on solution‑processed nanomaterials
• Linking nanocrystal structure, electronic properties and device performance

You have a completed Master’s degree in physical chemistry, materials science, applied physics, or a closely related field. You combine a strong interest in the synthesis, structure and properties of nanomaterials with a solid understanding of solid‑state physics.

• Colloidal synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials
• Characterization of nanocrystals and their surfaces
• Time‑resolved or steady‑state optical spectroscopy
• Opto‑electronic device fabrication and testing

• A full‑time PhD position at TU Delft in a leading European research environment
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art synthesis, characterization and device fabrication facilities
• Close collaboration with industrial and academic partners in the Netherlands and Belgium
• The opportunity to contribute to innovative semiconductor materials and device concepts with real‑world impact

For this position we are looking for a physical chemist or materials physicist with a completed master degree. You should combine a keen interest in the synthesis and properties of nanomaterials with understanding of solid‑state physics. The ideal candidate has prior experience with the colloidal materials, synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials and opto‑electronic devices.

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.

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,…